Merrimack Fire and Rescue Called to Apartment Fire

Submitted by Fire Marshall John Manuele:

On Thursday May 28, 2015 at 3:32 a.m., the Merrimack Fire Department was dispatched to 60 London Court for a reported porch fire. Merrimack Engines 1 and 2, Ambulance 1, Fire Chief Currier, and Fire Marshal Manuele responded. Merrimack Engine 1 arrived on scene at 3:38 AM and reported a fully involved third floor porch with fire extending into the apartment and roof of a 3 story 24 unit apartment building.

Merrimack Police Officers were on scene and assisted residents with evacuating the building.

A second alarm was requested bringing Merrimack Engine 3, Rescue 1, Assistant Chiefs Pierson and Borneman and mutual aid from Manchester, Nashua, and Bedford to the scene while units from Litchfield and Amherst covered Merrimack’s Stations. Engine 1, under the command of Capt. Jason Marsalla ensured the residents had evacuated the building and began attacking the fire using ground ladders and Ambulance 1’s crew began a primary search of the building. As other units arrived the building was fully searched and crews began fighting the fire from inside and outside the building.

The two adult and one juvenile residents of the apartment where the fire started were treated by Merrimack Fire personnel for smoke inhalation and transported to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center by a Londonderry Fire Department ambulance. During the search a pet cat was rescued from the burning apartment and was treated by Merrimack Ambulance personnel.

The fire was declared under control at 4:56 a.m. after which a lengthy overhaul was conducted. The building sustained extensive fire damage to the roof and portions of the third floor, and water damage throughout. The building is not inhabitable at this time. Approximately 50 residents were displaced and were assisted in finding temporary housing by London Court property managers.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Merrimack Fire Marshal’s Office and Merrimack Police, with assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

There were no firefighter injuries. Assistance was received from the Merrimack Police, and the Salvation Army Rehab Unit. A crew from Eversource was also dispatched to disconnect power to the building.

During the previous 12 hours, Merrimack Fire had responded to two separate brush fires as well as several serious medical calls.