6 families displaced after Manchester, NH fire

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Six families have been displaced after a fire tore through a Manchester, New Hampshire apartment building.

The fire broke out at the Hancock Street apartment around 7 p.m. Thursday. When firefighters arrived, they found three stories of the building engulfed in flames.

Most of the residents got out safely on their own, but firefighters did have to help several get out. Firefighters also rescued four dogs and one rabbit and reunited them with their owners. The animals suffered some smoke inhalation, but are expected to be OK.

One resident was transported for non-life threatening injuries. One firefighter sustained superficial burns and was evaluated at the scene, and a lieutenant suffered a shoulder injury and will be evaluated Friday.

Fire crews struggled to put out the fire due to the old style of the building, which allowed the fire to quickly make its way through the walls and into the large, open attic.

Six families who occupied those apartments are now displaced and being assisted by the Red Cross.

The fire chief estimates the damage to the house to exceed $150,000. The fire has been determined accidental due to careless disposal of smoking materials.

Cox Media Group