A fast-moving fire severely damaged a three-story residential building on Amherst Street on Monday afternoon, sending two civilians to the hospital and killing two pets.
The Manchester Fire Department dispatched units to 363/365 Amherst Street at just after 4 pm following reports of smoke in the building. First-arriving crews from Engine 11 observed heavy fire showing from the rear of the six-unit structure.
Firefighters immediately entered the building under extreme heat and zero-visibility conditions following reports of trapped residents. Crews stretched multiple hose lines to fight the heavy flames on the second floor while simultaneously conducting a sweep of the premises. While initial reports indicated possible trapped occupants, primary search teams cleared the building of civilians and rescued three pets. A dog was successfully reunited with its owner, but two cats perished in the blaze.
Two civilians sustained injuries during the incident:
One victim suffered injuries from a fall during the emergency.
A juvenile victim was transported to a local hospital for smoke inhalation; their current condition remains unknown.
No emergency personnel were injured.
Responders faced initial operational challenges due to tight surrounding streets and difficult access for ladder trucks. Despite these spatial constraints, Incident Commander Battalion Chief Robert Plantier declared the fire under control at 4:50 pm
The blaze caused extensive damage to three rear apartments within the six-unit complex. A multi-unit response handled the call, including Engines 11, 10, 6, 5, 7, and 3; Trucks 1 and 6; Rescue 1; Battalion Chief; ALS2; PIC1; Bedford Ambulance; and Investigators K1, K2, and K3. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by local authorities.
The Red Cross is assisting the residents who were displaced from the fire.