'Fast Moving' Merrimack Brushfire Extinguished by Firefighters

MERRIMACK, NH - Merrimack Fire and Rescue teams battled a brushfire on May 12, 2016, in a wooded area between Matthew Drive and Belmont Drive.

According Fire Marshal John Manuele, firefighters were sent to the area at just before 12:15 p.m., at first, sending Merrimack Engine 1 and Forestry 1 under the command of Captain Duke.

"While enroute, further information was received that the fire was approaching several houses on Matthew and spreading towards homes on Belmont Drive," according to Manuele.

Merrimack Engine 2, Engine 4, Forestry 2, Forestry 3, Assistant Chief Pearson and Manuele then responded to the scene. Engine 1 and Forestry 1 arrived on scene and found a large brush fire in the woods behind 11 and 15 Matthew Drive, and began attacking the fire and protecting the closest homes, he noted.

Upon arrival, Pearson diverted Manuele, Engine 2 and Forestry 2 to attack the fire from the Belmont Drive side.

"The fire was spreading rapidly due to the extremely dry conditions and warm windy weather," Manuele stated. "As further resources arrived on scene the fire was contained and finally extinguished.

The fire was declared under control at 1:15 p.m. and an extensive overhaul of the area was conducted. Crews and apparatus responded from Amherst, Bedford, Hudson and Litchfield to the scene and engines from Milford and Nashua covered Merrimack's stations.

The Salvation Army Rehab unit responded to the scene with food and drinks for the crews. Mutual aid crews began being released at 2:50 p.m. and all personnel were clear of the fire scene at 3:37 p.m.

The Merrimack Police Department closed down Belmont Drive due to water lines being stretched from a hydrant in front of 65 Belmont Drive to the area burning behind 60 Belmont Drive

During the brush fire Merrimack Ambulance 1 and the Nashua cover engine responded to a medical emergency call on Columbia Circle.

"The cause of the fire is under investigation," he stated. "There were no injuries reported, however several homes on Matthew Drives suffered damage to siding and yard furniture. The Merrimack Fire Department wants to remind everyone to use extreme caution when burning or smoking outside due the extremely dry conditions."