MANCHESTER, NH – Fire engulfed a converted duplex on Old Mammoth Road Wednesday, fire officials say, due to improper disposal of smoking materials.
The fire was called in by Manchester Fire Department personnel at 3:33 p.m. when they spotted smoke from their vantage point on Bypass 28. Engine 10 was first on the scene at 1316 Old Mammoth Road within minutes, and the crew began assisting in the evacuation of seven residents.
District Fire Chief James Michael said everyone was able to get out of the burning building safely with some assistance from firefighters, however at least four cats perished in the blaze.
The structure, a duplex modified as a one-family residence, suffered heavy fire damage to one side where the roof collapsed, damage estimated at about $150,000.
District Chief Michael said the fire originated on the back deck, and initial investigation points to careless disposal of smoking materials.
