Flammable Liquids, Heater Causes Apartment Explosion In Nashua

NASHUA, NH — A container of flammable liquids, which came in contact with a natural gas-fired heater, caused an explosion on Vine Street on Wednesday.

Nashua Fire Rescue was sent to the apartment around 9:30 a.m. after receiving a call about a possible explosion. Engine 2 arrived first from the Lake Street station and confirmed an explosion had occurred on the second floor but there was no active fire, Deputy Chief Mark Wholey said.

“The explosion caused a window on the second floor to be blown from the building, landing in the street,” he said.

Firefighters used a gas meter detector to monitor the building, thinking there might be a leak. Later, they determined there was no gas leak in or around the building, and then a flash fire, he said.

The cause of the explosion was determined by the fire marshal’s office to be accidental due to a container of flammable liquids that came in contact with a natural gas-fired heater.

“The flammable liquids reached its ignition temperature resulting in an explosion and flash fire,” Wholey said.

The explosion caused “considerable structural damage” the building, he added. Liberty Utilities, Eversource, and the Nashua Building Department assisted at the scene and determined the building was uninhabitable.

Wholey reminded residents to never store flammable liquids near a source that might cause a fire or in containers not approved for storage.

“Flammable liquids should be stored in a well-ventilated area, preferably detached from your home,” he said.

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