MANCHESTER, NH – Four Manchester fire fighters were injured in a two-alarm fire in Manchester Sunday.
At 1:05 p.m. crews were dispatched to 50 Seventh Ave. where multiple calls had come in reporting a 1½-story Cape-style house with breezeway and attached garage was on fire.
The blaze started in the rear of the building and traveled to the interior of the house through a sliding door that was left open. Arriving companies encountered significant fire on the second-floor.
At approximately 1:17 p.m. as firefighters attempted to go upstairs to run a hose a flashover occurred, which is a sudden intensification of fire due to gas build-up, blew the windows out of the house and caused firefighters to “tumble down the stairs,” according to Michael.
Four firefighters were injured in the incident, three were transported to Elliot Hospital with burns and laceration. The fourth firefighter refused treatment and stayed at the scene. He suffered minor burns, according to Michael.
A mayday was issued which brought more resources, including ambulances, and roll call was taken to ensure all firefighters at the scene were accounted for.
Mayor Joyce Craig issued the following statement:
“Our firefighters risk their lives to keep our residents safe. They run into situations most of us would run away from, and see things on a daily basis most people would rather not think about. Today was no exception.
Today, the Manchester Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 50 7th Avenue. While inside, they experienced a flashover, which resulted in four firefighters becoming injured. We’re monitoring the situation closely, and sending our thoughts out to them and their families for a fast recovery.”
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Damage was estimated at $150,000, according to Michael.
