Fire on Rockingham Road Caused by Discarded Smoke Material

UPDATE (8:21 p.m.): The Londonderry Fire Department has determined that carelessly discarded smoke materials were the cause of today's fire at a Rockingham Road auto body shop.

The investigation into the cause of the blaze was conducted by Londonderry Division Chief of Fire Prevention Brian Johnson

According to a release from Londonderry Fire Chief Darren O'Brien, officials responded to the building at 3:11 p.m. to find the front exterior of the building on fire. The flames were also extending to the interior of the building through the front windows.

The area of bark mulch and shrubs in front of the building was alson on fire.

Londonderry Engine I advanced the initial attack line to extinguish the fire. 

All occupants were reported out of the building upon arrival.

According to O'Brien, the fire was contained mainly to the exterior of the building with minor fire damage extending into one interior room.

The fire was under control at 3:20 p.m. with no reported injuries.

Also responding to the blaze were Rescue 1, Medic 2, Car 1 and Car 4. Mutual aid was received from Derry and Manchester to the scene of the fire with Derry also covering the station.

An Earlier Story Follows

Firefighters are at the scene of a reported fire at a Rockingham Road auto body shop.

The fire was reported around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday at 214 Rockingham Road, according to emergency radio broadcasts. That address is listed as the home of Emerald Isle Auto Sales.

The fire was reportedly a minor one, and was knocked down upon arrival. Fire crews remain on scene at this hour checking for extension and ventilating the building.