MANCHESTER, NH — A fast-moving fire tore through a residential structure on Merrimack Street Tuesday morning, leaving a family of four displaced.

Fire crews were dispatched to 355 Merrimack St. at 9:02 a.m. following reports of a building fire. Upon arrival, initial crews encountered heavy flames pouring from the first floor, which quickly extended upward into the second floor and the attic.

Battalion Chief Steve DesRuisseaux arrived on the scene shortly after, established command, and officially declared a working fire.

First alarm companies launched an aggressive, coordinated attack to knock down the flames. Simultaneously, teams braved the heavy smoke to conduct thorough searches across all floors while ventilation crews cut holes in the roof to release trapped smoke and gases.

Firefighters faced additional hazards outside the building, noting that access to the alleyway behind the structure was severely restricted due to downed, live power lines.

Fortunately, all occupants managed to evacuate the building before emergency services arrived. Primary and secondary searches of the structure returned negative. One resident sustained minor injuries during the escape but refused medical treatment at the scene. No emergency personnel were injured during the response.

A massive response team was utilized to bring the incident under control by 9:45 a.m., including Engines 3, 7, 10, and 11; RIC Engines 5 and 6; Trucks 1 and 7; Car 1 and 04; ALS 16; T1, T2, K1, and K2.

The heavy fire damage has rendered the home entirely uninhabitable. The American Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the displaced family, which includes two adults and two juveniles.

The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation by the Fire Prevention Bureau, though officials state that it currently appears to be accidental in nature and causing an estimated $150,000 in damages.

City of Manchester, NH Fire Department LaPointe Construction Board Up Service Manchester Professiona