2 Adults, 2 Children Trapped in Beard Street Fire

Nashua Fire Department responded to a fire just after midnight Jan. 24 at 5 Beard St., Apt. #2, which included a rescue of four people trapped inside.  

According to a report issued by Deputy Chief Gerhard:

Engine 1 and Ladder 1, both of the Amherst Street Fire Station, and Engine 4 of East Hollis Street Station were dispatched to a reported building fire at 5 Beard St.  En route, companies were notified of people trapped on the second floor of the building.  Engine 1 and Ladder 1 arrived and located a fire in the stairway and hallway of the second floor.  Additionally, four occupants served by this egress were at a second floor window requiring rescue.  

Engine 1 attacked the fire while Ladder 1 simultaneously conducted the rescue by ground ladder, safely removing two adults and two children from the building.  Engine 4 arrived and provided water supply and searched the remainder of the building, waking and removing several occupants who all exited the building without further assistance. 

The fire was quickly brought under control and damage was limited to the area fire origin.  Five persons were displaced for the night, pending minor salvage and inspection of the building by code officials.  All persons displaced had shelter for the night by friends or family in the area. 

Ladder 2 (Lake Street Fire Station), Engine 5 (Pine Hill Road Fire Station), and AMR ambulance also responded the fire and stood by.  

Special Hazards Encountered: Extreme cold resulting in icing and wear on crews and equipment. 

All occupants safely removed, no injuries to occupants or responders, minimal damage to building beyond area of fire origin. 

Cause:  The fire is under investigation by the City of Nashua Fire Marshal’s office and Nashua Police Department.  Please contact these agencies for further questions pertaining to the investigation.  

Although there were two smoke alarms in the residence, neither were working. Gerhard said residents must always be sure smoke detectors are in working order, and families should practice a home escape plan before it becomes a reality.

In this fire, a fire escape from the second floor apartment was blocked by a large piece of furniture.