Basement Fire Extinguished on Merrimack Drive

MERRIMACK, NH - Merrimack Fire and Rescue extinguished a basement fire on Merrimack Drive this morning, according to Fire Marshal John Manuele.

The teams were called to 30 Merrimack Drive at around 4:15 a.m. on Feb. 13, 2016. Engine 1 Engine 2, Ambulance 1, Fire Chief Currier, and Manuele alll responded.

Upon arrival on the scene, Captain Rick Gagne in command of Engine 1 reported smoke showing from the building. As the residence was a six-unit attached townhouse building, Chief Currier ordered a working fire dispatch be issued bringing in mutual aid from Nashua and Manchester.

Both occupants and their two dogs were out of the home and reported that there was smoke throughout, with heavy smoke coming from the basement.

Engine 1’s crew made “a rapid entry to the basement and found a couch and sleeping bag burning,” according to Manuele. “They were able to open a rear door and remove the burning furnishings from the building before it extended to the home. They then extinguished the couch and declared the call under control at 4:30 a.m.”

The building was then ventilated of smoke. The home suffered smoke damage in the basement.

The Nashua Fire Department provided mutual aid to Merrimack and covered the Central Fire Station while Merrimack Units were on scene. The Merrimack Police Department also assisted at the scene.

There were no injuries reported. All units cleared the scene by 5:25 a.m. and the home was re-occupied by the homeowner.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental due to the improper disposal of smoking materials.