UPDATE from Manchester Fire command chief, 9:30 p.m. March 27: At 3:31 p.m. a full box assignment was dispatched to 232 Spruce Street for a fire in the rear of the building.
Companies arrived to discover heavy fire at 232 Spruce Street with three vehicles fully involved and extending to 234 Spruce St., with fire on all floors. A second and third alarm were quickly struck and efforts were concentrated on saving the buildings in the area.
Related story ⇒: 12 families after the fire: Searching for cats, sifting through rubble and looking for new homes
All off-duty personnel were called to the scene to help with firefighting efforts, Gusty winds contributed to the quick spread of the fire to adjacent buildings. Thanks to the heroic efforts of firefighters, no injuries were reported and the fire was contained to the original building.
There were also issues with water pressue in the area and city Water Works was called in to divert water to the scene. A total of six buildings sustained fire damage. Two of the buildings, 232 and 234, were a total loss with damage estimated at $750,000. In all, 12 familes were displaced. The Red Cross is assisting them.
The fire was deemed under control by 5:56 and all out by 8:50 p.m.
Original story begins —
Firefighters are on the scene of a blaze involving at least two residences at the 200 block of Spruce Street. Witnesses heard what sounded like explosions, and several cars were also gutted by fire.. Police have sent out an alert that people should avoid the area of Spruce, Maple, and Beech Streets, and Lake Avenue, whicha are all currently blocked off.
The fire went to three alarms. Reports from the scene were that all residents were out, but that some pets may have been lost in the blaze.
We’ll update this story as more information becomes available.
