Brushfire, Balcony Blaze Keeps Merrimack Firefighters Busy

Merrimack Fire and Rescue teams have been busy the last two days with a number of fires including one at an apartment complex and another brushfire.

At around 2 a.m. on May 5, 2015, firefighters were sent to London Court for a porch fire, according to Fire Marshal John Manuele.

Two engines, Chief Currier, and Manuele found fire coming from the second floor balcony of a three-story apartment building, according to a report.

“At the time of the fire Engine 1, under the command of Captain Gagne was running shorthanded due to extra personnel being needed on Merrimack Ambulance 1 which was returning from Elliot Hospital after having treated and transported an overdose patient,” according to Manuele. “Engine 1’s crew was able to perform a fast attack on the fire as it had not yet spread into the apartment.”

After putting the fire out, crews checked the area to make sure it hadn’t spread into the building structure.

“After interviewing the occupants it was determined that the tenant in the lower unit had heard crackling noises and found his sons outdoor toys burning on the patio due to flaming embers dropping down from the balcony above,” he noted. “The upstairs tenant stated that her adult stepson had been smoking on the balcony earlier in the evening.”

Firefighters were also at a second major fire in Merrimack at around 5 p.m. on May 4, in the woods behind Scott Drive.

“Engine 2, under the command of Lt. Brechtel found an area of multiple acres burning. Engine 1, Forestry 1 and 3, and Chief Currier responded to the scene,” Manuele said. “Engines from Nashua covered Merrimack’s stations. The fire was extinguished by 6:45 p.m. and all units cleared the scene by 7:30 p.m.”