Second Alarm Building Fire 23 Central Street Derry, New Hampshire

On March 15, 2021 at 12:03 p.m. the Derry Fire Emergency Communications Division received a call
from a Derry Public Works employee who reported a house fire at 23 Central Street. He reported that he
was going to attempt to ensure evacuation.

23 Central Street is a single family, 2 story wood frame residence built in 1901. The house is located in a
densely populated section of Derry. The residence was occupied by three adults and two children.

When the call was initially received, all Derry Fire companies were operating at a smoke condition at a
commercial property on Crystal Avenue. Based on the credible information, the Derry Fire
Communications Center dispatched a ‘Working Fire Assignment’.

The initial response to 23 Central Street consisted of Londonderry Ladder, Londonderry Medic, Derry
Battalion Chief, the Derry Fire Chief and Assistant Chief. Shortly after, other Derry units were released
from Crystal Avenue and responded to Central Street. Derry Engine 2 was first on scene, 2 minutes and
41 seconds after being dispatched, followed by the Derry Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief.

On arrival, there was heavy smoke and fire showing from the second floor. An aggressive interior attack
was initiated in an attempt to suppress the fire and search for potential life hazards. As Londonderry’s
Ladder Crew entered the building to provide relief to a Derry Engine Company on the second-floor,
conditions rapidly deteriorated.

Command ordered a tactical withdrawal, to bring crews out of the structure in an orderly fashion. As
crews were withdrawing, conditions suddenly and dramatically worsened even further. Crews were
ordered to immediately evacuate. After the crew's evacuation, a flashover occurred. All crews were safely
accounted for and a defensive posture was assumed. The fire was brought under control prior to crews
reentering the building.

Bitter cold weather, high winds, and a frozen fi