Firefighter Injured In 2-Alarm Fire In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NH — Multiple calls came in for a two-family residence on fire at the corner of Pearl and Union streets in Manchester Thursday. MFD and AMR had smoke visible while responding to the fire around 10:15 a.m. which is a short distance from several fire stations.

Upon their arrival, they saw heavy smoke and fire showing from the occupied building. Occupants were self evacuating when crews arrived, and began to make entry into the building.

Heavy fire on the Union Street side shot out the windows, and the fire quickly extended into the walls and attic area. MFD immediately called for a second alarm and then also brought additional apparatus in addition to the second alarm.

Firefighters worked to knock down the fire and ventilate the roof to allow the heat and fire to escape.

Fire crews were burdened by the intense outdoor temperatures combined with intense heat inside the building. Crews were rotated in an effort to keep crew members from overheating.

AMR crews evaluated several firefighters at the scene for heat related issues, and transported one firefighter to the hospital which District Chief Dave Patten described as non-life threatening. Crews remain on scene continuing to extinguish fires in the wall. The Red Cross was notified but was unable to offer services for several hours to the residents in need.

Fire investigators are on scene and will work to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news