Nashua Firefighters Fight Fatal Fire In Extremely Cold Temps

NASHUA, NH — Nashua Fire Rescue, police, and AMR Ambulance responded to a reported structure fire on Mercury Lane on Wednesday.

While crews were en route, at about 1:30 a.m., they were advised the caller reported fire coming from the roof of a manufactured home and there was one car in the driveway. An additional caller reported to responding crews they believed one person was still inside the home. Responding units were also advised of a possible explosion of a propane tank.

Nashua firefighters arrived and found the home engulfed in fire, and stretched hose lines. Crews quickly worked to attempt to gain access to the home, but the fire was too intense to make access. Nashua Deputy Chief Glenn MacDonald ordered a defensive operation.

After the fire was suppressed, a person was found deceased inside the home. The NH Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim as 79-year-old Lorraine Malignaggi of Nashua, NH. The cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation and the manner of death to be accidental. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

Due to the location of the fire, firefighters initially had to use water from the tanks of several engines due to the lack of hydrants in the immediate area of the fire. Crews established a water supply from a hydrant located a significant distance from the fire to provide consistent water flow.

Firefighters dealt with temperatures of 3 degrees creating slippery conditions and a strain on firefighters and equipment. MacDonald contacted dispatch and asked for the NH State Fire Marshal to respond to the scene and indicated it was a fatal fire. The Nashua Fire Marshal's Office was also requested to respond.

The fire was knocked down after about 30 minutes and the structure was a total loss.

State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey would like to remind all citizens of the importance of having working smoke alarms in their home. In the event of a fire, immediately exit your home and call 9-1-1.

Keep exits clear of debris and have a home fire escape plan. Have your heating systems inspected and maintained on an annual basis and keep at least a three to five-foot clearance around any heating appliance from combustible materials. If you have any questions about fire safety in your home, please contact your local fire department or the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news