Extensive Damage Reported at Merrimack Home

MERRIMACK, NH - Merrimack Fire and Rescue teams were called to the Bedford and Lawrence Road areas at just before 2 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2015, for a report of a chimney problem and smoke in the area.

Later, reports came in that there was a structure fire at 141 Bedford Road.

According to Fire Marshal John Manuele, the entire fire team was sent to the home and found heavy smoke showing and a second alarm was struck. Mutual aid was also called in from Manchester and Nashua. Amherst, Bedford, and Hudson teams also assisted by covering calls in the town.

“The homeowner and only occupant had already evacuated the home with her two pet dogs, and crews began an aggressive interior attack Engine 1’s crew began attacking the fire,” Manuele stated. “Engine 2 arrived and began laying 4” water supply hose to the nearest hydrant at the corner of Bedford and Bean Roads. This shut down the section of Bedford Road from the intersection of Bean Road and Lawrence Road.”

Crews had a difficult time putting out the fire due to “excessive storage in the home,” and due to the age and construction of the home, crews searched for “pockets of fire in the roof and attic for an extended period of time.”

The fire was declared under control at 3:11 p.m. and an overhaul and salvage operation took place.

“Damage to the home was extensive, with fire damage to the second floor, roof and several interior rooms and smoke and water damage throughout,” Manuele noted. “The home is not inhabitable at this time. The Merrimack Police Department, Salvation Army and Merrimack CERT Volunteers also assisted at the scene.”

There were no injuries reported and all units cleared the scene by 6:24 p.m.