Roof-top Fire at 300 Main Street Forces Evacuation

Nashua firefighters responded to a fire at a vacant building next to Work out World, 300 Main St., just before 6 a.m for a report of a building fire. The building is owned by Work Out World, and currently being renovated. 

Engine 4 from East Hollis Street Station, Engine 2  from Lake Street Station, and Ladder 2, also of Lake Street Station, arrived to find smoke and flames visible from the roof of the large 300'x100' L-shaped business. A call was made for an additional engine and ladder, bringing Engine 1 and Ladder 1 from Amherst Street Station to the scene. 

Fire companies initiated evacuations of two adjacent businesses without incident or injury.  The fire was reported by a passer-by, according to Deputy Chief Karl Gerhard, who said the building occupants were unaware of the incident. 

Companies stretched a hose line to the roof and located an approximate 25-by-25 foot structure on the roof involved by flames.  The structure was under renovations, and had been used to house mechanical equipment until recently.  The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to the rooftop structure. 

The merchant space below the fire area is currently vacant and under renovation.

One unique hazard for firefighters was a large opening in the roof with a 20-foot drop to the floor below. An "alert tone" specific tone issued over radio used to alert companies of serious hazards or information, was issued during the incident to make all personnel aware of the hazard as to avoid it. 

Although there were working fire alarms in the building, they were not present in the area where the fire erupted. 

Gerhard said the fire was contained and crews managed to limit the spread of fire into roofing material of the main structure.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the City of Nashua Fire Marshal's Office and Nashua Police Department.