Merrimack Fire Knocks Out Holts Landing Drive Brushfire

MERRIMACK, NH - Merrimack Fire and Rescue teams were sent to the woods behind Holts Landing Drive at just before 5 p.m. on May 25, 2016, for a report of a brushfire, according to Fire Marshal John Manuele.

Merrimack Engine 2 and Forestry 2, under the command of Lt. Dalton responded first. While en route, further information was received that the fire was reported by the Nashua Fire Department which was searching for a fire on the Nashua side of Holts Pond which borders both towns, and saw the fire in Merrimack.

Upon arrival Engine 2's crew began searching the area and found a large brush fire approximately a quarter of a mile into the woods, according to Manuele.

Merrimack Engine 1, Forestry 1, Forestry 3, Chief Currier and Manuele then responded.

"Currier sized up the scene and called for a second alarm dispatch which brought engines and tankers from, Amherst, Bedford, Nashua, Londonderry and Litchfield to the scene and engines from Amherst and Manchester covered Merrimack's stations," according to Manuele. "The Nashua Fire Department inflatable boat was also used, and assistance was received from the Litchfield Fire Chief."

Merrimack Assistant Chiefs Borneman and Pearson also responded. The Salvation Army Rehab unit responded to the scene with food and drinks for the crews.

"The fire was difficult to fight due to its distance from the road and the need to get water from Holts Pond," he noted.

Crews worked to extinguish the fire until declaring it under control at 7:49 p.m. and crews began cleaning up and exiting the woods. Mutual aid crews began being released at 8:51 p.m. and all personnel were clear of the fire scene at 9 p.m. Crews will monitor the area through the night and continue overhauling the area after first light.

During the brush fire Merrimack Ambulance 1 and the Manchester cover engine responded to a medical emergency call on Kingston Court. The cause of the fire is under investigation and there were no injuries reported. Manuele said the Merrimack Fire Department wants to remind everyone to use extreme caution when burning or smoking outside due the extremely dry conditions.