MANCHESTER, NH – Just before 2 p.m. on Feb. 22 fire crews were dispatched to 202 Concord St. after several 911 calls came in reporting a basement fire at the six-unit building.
Firefighters encountered fire coming from under a crawl space in the rear of the three-story building. The fire was advancing up the exterior and interior of the balloon-framed building. Fire crews worked rapidly to extinguish the advancing fire and to open up the walls to extinguish the advancing hidden fire. Simultaneously, crews entered the smoke filled building to search for and remove any occupants and pets.
One firefighter was injured during the incident when he slipped on ice while carrying equipment and sustained an injury to his knee. The firefighter is seeking medical treatment and will be out of work for a period of time.
“A rapid/efficient response by crews prevented a major loss to this structure. These old style balloon-framed multi-tenements contribute to rapid fire spread,” said District Chief Mike Gamache. He commended his crews on a quick response which kept damage to a minimum and allowed occupants to return to their apartments.
The cause is classified as accidental and is attributed to the careless disposal of smoking materials. Damage is estimated at $3,000.
