Crime & Safety
Multi-Alarm Fire In Bradford Possibly Caused By Explosion
Injured people from the building were brought to Concord Hospital, one reported with serious burns. Route 114 shut down for hours
BRADFORD, NH - Hundreds of firefighters responded to a multi-alarm fire on Route 114 in Bradford Thursday. While first responding units were en route at about 11 a.m. they could see smoke billowing into the air from miles away.
Responders were advised by dispatch that there were possibly multiple people trapped in the building, and there had been a reported explosion followed by heavy fire.
The building is a large commercial building located at 2345 State Route 114 and was formerly a fire apparatus sales and repair facility. It is reported that currently it was being used as a repair facility for commercial vehicles, including school buses.
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Capital Area Fire Mutual Aid dispatch continually toned out multiple towns and cities to respond as command requested additional alarms. Fire crews from over 15 towns responded to the fire.
DHART medical helicopter was requested for a patient who reportedly had serious burns. While the helicopter was being dispatched it was decided to transport at least two patients by ambulance to Concord Hospital and the helicopter was re-routed and told to coordinate with the hospital.
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Witnesses at the scene told a photographer that they heard an explosion, saw walls collapsing and heavy fire. It is unknown what caused the explosion but several sources indicated it was related to some sort of gas.
Firefighters continued to pour water onto the fire from the ground level and from ladder trucks above. The building was demolished, and mostly on the ground from the reported explosion and fire. Firefighters were directed to make a defensive attack and not enter the building.
The NH Fire Marshals Office was requested to the scene to assist in the investigation, the cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The number of people injured and the extent of the injuries is unknown at this time.
Several school buses that are reported to service the Kearsage Regional School District were parked outside of the burning building. Buses inside the building were destroyed by the fire, and it is unknown what company or school they belong to. School is on vacation this week, so it will not immediately affect transportation.
This post will be updated as additional information becomes available.
