'Extensive Damage' Reported at Farmer Road Fire

On Wednesday April 1, 2015 at 2:54 p.m., the Merrimack Fire Department was dispatched to 24 Farmer Road for a reported porch fire, according to a press statement from Fire Marshal John Manuele.

Merrimack Engines 1 and 2, Ambulance 1, Fire Chief Currier, Assistant Fire Chief Borneman and Fire Marshal Manuele responded.

While fire units were en route, further information from the occupant indicated that the fire had spread into the family room of the home. Capt. Marsella in command of Engine 1 requested that a working fire dispatch be transmitted, which would bring mutual aid from Manchester and Nashua.

First arriving crews on Engine 1 saw heavy smoke at the rear of the home. Upon arrival Chief Currier requested a second alarm dispatch which brought more mutual aid from Bedford, Amherst Milford and Hudson.

The homeowner and only occupant had already evacuated the home with a pet dog, however four pet cats were still in the home. Engine 1’s crew began attacking the fire. Engine 2 arrived and began laying 4” water supply hose to the nearest hydrant.

Due to problems with the closest hydrant and the distance to the nearest working hydrant water supply required 4 engine loads of 4” hose be deployed. A Nashua Engine and Ladder, Merrimack Engine 4, Merrimack Rescue 1, an Amherst Tanker and a Bedford Engine arrived on scene to assist, and a Hudson Engine covered Station 1 and Milford covered Station 2.

Suppression crews were able to quickly knock down the main fire however due to the construction of the home crews had to search for pockets of fire in the roof and attic for an extended period. The fire was declared under control at 3:49 p.m. and then crews conducted an extensive overhaul and salvage operation.

During the attack on the fire crews were able to rescue two of the family’s pet cats and a third cat was seen to escape out a window. Firefighter Ducharme administered oxygen to one of the rescued cats to assist it’s breathing. Unfortunately the fourth cat was later found deceased in the home.

Damage to the home was extensive, with fire damage to the porch, roof and several interior rooms and smoke and water damage throughout. The home is not inhabitable and the Red Cross was requested to the scene to assist the family. The Salvation Army and Merrimack CERT Volunteers also assisted at the scene. There were no injuries reported. All units cleared the scene by 6:30 PM.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental, due to the improper disposal of wood (pellet) stove ash.