Explosion Reported on Irving Street in Salem: Alerts

SALEM, NH — Salem Police are reporting more details of the call to service on Irving Street this afternoon that led to a home exploding. Police received a tip at around 5:15 p.m. on April 3, 2017, that there might be "human activity" inside of 20 Irving St., a home that had been condemned recently by the town, according to Sgt. Chad Clark of the Salem Police Department.

"Upon arrival, the officers approached the house at 20 Irving St. and immediately heard a hissing noise and smelled the odor of gas," Clark stated. "They began to back away from the house when they heard a loud explosion and the windows blew out of the house. The house then began to smoke and eventually became engulfed in flames."

Officers from the police department surrounded the house while Salem Fire and Rescue teams responded. The Southern New Hampshire Special Operations Unit was called out to the scene, he noted.

"There were no injuries reported to any of the officers involved," he added. "This call is active and further information will be forthcoming."

The incident remains under investigation by the Salem Police. Any witnesses to this incident are asked to call 603-893-1911.

Police are planning a press briefing at the Lancaster School at 8:30 p.m.

The previous coverage is below.

Alerts online are reporting an explosion at a home on Irving Street in Salem. The explosion was reported at around 6:15 p.m. on April 3, 2017. The initial report, according to Rockingham Alert, is that a male subject was inside the home and the incident may have been intentional.

#SkyFox is over a massive house fire in Salem, NH. We're working to get you more information and will update you as we receive it on #FOX25 pic.twitter.com/kQJbeeOjND
— Courtney Spinelli (@CourtSpinelliTV) April" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/CourtSpine... 3, 2017

A Reverse 911 call is being placed to residents to have them take precautions in their homes.

Rockingham Alert also reported at just after 7 p.m.that police are alleging that the fire was intentionally set. Area homes have been evacuated.

VIDEO: House goes up in flames after explosion in Salem, NH on Irving Street. Evacuations underway. Video courtesy of Brianna Caron pic.twitter.com/Ar6VTM14BI
— Kattey Ortiz (@KatteyOrtizTV) April" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/KatteyOrti... 3, 2017

Salem Police have also posted video on Twitter.

Salem Police also advised that the scene is "still active" although the bulk of the fire has been knocked down. Firefighters are keeping their distance but have three master streams in operation. All firefighters have been accounted for, according to alerts online.

WCVB-TV is reporting that police attempted to make contact with a person in the home but no one responded. Officers reportedly smelled gas and then, the home exploded. Neighbors also reportedly heard gun shots and then a barrage of shots in the area, according to the report.

Video was captured at the scene of what appears to be a standoff with police at the scene.

Salem NH Patch will update this post when more information becomes available.

Credit: Jeffrey Hastings/Frame of Mind Photography FrameofMindPhoto.com.