MILFORD, NH — Milford firefighters and police responded to a report of a fire on the porch of a large multi-unit structure at 154 South St. on March 23, 2025
While Milford Fire units were responding to the scene, a heavy column of smoke was visible and the call was upgraded to a "working fire," bringing mutual aid from surrounding communities to the scene to assist. Rescue 1 arrived on scene finding heavy fire on the exterior of a multiple-story apartment building, extending into the attic and roof area. They immediately began attacking the fire and searching for residents still inside.
Milford Fire Chief Kenneth Flaherty arrived on the scene shortly after and requested a second alarm and then a third alarm, and extra engine and ladder crews were ordered to the scene.
A live power line attached to the building fell to the ground after it burned and landed near a large above-ground propane tank, creating a hazard for crews. Eversource was summoned to the scene on a priority response and disconnected the power line.
Strong winds fanned the fire as crews searched for people and several pets inside the building. At one point, more than an hour into the fire, a decision was made to go defensive and pull all firefighters from inside the building. The fire reached the equivalent of a 5-alarm fire, requiring mutual aid from dozens of communities and more than 100 firefighters to fight it and provide station coverage.
Crews battled the fire for 3 hours, finally bringing the fire under control at 3:32 p.m.
Many of the building's eight units were occupied at the time of the fire, and all residents were safely evacuated. Fire crews successfully rescued several pets.
South Street between Lincoln Street and Union Square was closed for approximately 5 hours until all units cleared the scene.
Flaherty said the size, construction era, and current layout of the building contributed to creating challenging fire conditions. This is one of the largest fires that Milford has had in several years.
No firefighters or residents were injured. Several pets were rescued, but some may be unaccounted for at publication time.
The building can not be occupied due to the damage. The American Red Cross is working with the building owner and residents to coordinate assistance to those displaced by the fire.
Milford Fire Department was assisted at the scene by Milford police and Milford Ambulance, as well as the Amherst, Brookline, Bedford, Hollis, Merrimack, Wilton, Nashua, Lyndeborough, and Mont Vernon Fire Departments.
The Hudson and Peterborough Fire Departments provided station coverage and responded to a brush fire on Kasey Drive. Milford Fire Department would also like to thank the residents and local businesses that donated food and beverages to both the crews working the fire, and the residents of the building.
The cause and origin of the fire are being investigated, initial information is that it appears to have started outside or near the porch.
©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news
While Milford Fire units were responding to the scene, a heavy column of smoke was visible and the call was upgraded to a "working fire," bringing mutual aid from surrounding communities to the scene to assist. Rescue 1 arrived on scene finding heavy fire on the exterior of a multiple-story apartment building, extending into the attic and roof area. They immediately began attacking the fire and searching for residents still inside.
Milford Fire Chief Kenneth Flaherty arrived on the scene shortly after and requested a second alarm and then a third alarm, and extra engine and ladder crews were ordered to the scene.
A live power line attached to the building fell to the ground after it burned and landed near a large above-ground propane tank, creating a hazard for crews. Eversource was summoned to the scene on a priority response and disconnected the power line.
Strong winds fanned the fire as crews searched for people and several pets inside the building. At one point, more than an hour into the fire, a decision was made to go defensive and pull all firefighters from inside the building. The fire reached the equivalent of a 5-alarm fire, requiring mutual aid from dozens of communities and more than 100 firefighters to fight it and provide station coverage.
Crews battled the fire for 3 hours, finally bringing the fire under control at 3:32 p.m.
Many of the building's eight units were occupied at the time of the fire, and all residents were safely evacuated. Fire crews successfully rescued several pets.
South Street between Lincoln Street and Union Square was closed for approximately 5 hours until all units cleared the scene.
Flaherty said the size, construction era, and current layout of the building contributed to creating challenging fire conditions. This is one of the largest fires that Milford has had in several years.
No firefighters or residents were injured. Several pets were rescued, but some may be unaccounted for at publication time.
The building can not be occupied due to the damage. The American Red Cross is working with the building owner and residents to coordinate assistance to those displaced by the fire.
Milford Fire Department was assisted at the scene by Milford police and Milford Ambulance, as well as the Amherst, Brookline, Bedford, Hollis, Merrimack, Wilton, Nashua, Lyndeborough, and Mont Vernon Fire Departments.
The Hudson and Peterborough Fire Departments provided station coverage and responded to a brush fire on Kasey Drive. Milford Fire Department would also like to thank the residents and local businesses that donated food and beverages to both the crews working the fire, and the residents of the building.
The cause and origin of the fire are being investigated, initial information is that it appears to have started outside or near the porch.
©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news
©Frame Of Mind Photo