Cops Search For Man After Use Of Explosives Suspected In NH Fire

MANCHESTER, NH — The Manchester Fire Department responded to a building fire on Dearborn Street in the Queen City around 3 a.m. Sunday that may have been started by a homemade explosive device, according to police. While en route, reports came in of multiple explosion sounds at the fire. The fire consumed a garage and spread to houses on each side of the garage.

The garage collapsed and firefighters knocked down fire on the adjacent houses.

At just before 11 a.m., New Hampshire State Police broadcast a BOLO ("be on the lookout") call searching for Carl Manning — a possible suspect in the Dearborn Street fire which is now considered an arson case, according to officials.

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The BOLO stated that Manchester police were warning other officers to use extreme caution with Manning if they encountered him.

A preliminary investigation revealed that an improvised explosive device (IED) was used at the fire, according to the BOLO.

Manning is believed to be driving a 2004 white Chevrolet pickup truck with veteran plate V59655. In an earlier BOLO, state police indicated his last known address was a homeless shelter in Methuen, Massachusetts.

If anyone sees Manning or the vehicle, you are urged to contact your local police department.

Investigators from Manchester Fire Marshal Office, Manchester Police, and NH State Police Bomb Squad were on scene sifting through the rubble of the collapsed building.

No firefighters or civilians were injured in the fire.

The victim in the case is currently out of state, according to the BOLO call.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news