1 Injured In House Explosion, Fire In Amherst: Update

AMHERST, NH — Amherst Fire Rescue responded to a report of a basement fire on Clark Avenue on Friday.

While en route, around 9:30 a.m., the responding units were advised of a reported explosion and could see heavy black smoke from a distance. A second alarm was requested before units arrived on the scene and, eventually, a third alarm.

Amherst Fire Chief Matthew Conley said when they arrived there was heavy fire and everyone was reported to have safely made it out of the house. Fire crews immediately set up water shuttles and began taking water from the nearby lake.

Conley said a mand, one of the contractors, sustained burned injuries to his arms and is being treated at a Boston area hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

Fire crews took a defensive posture as the house began to collapse, and worked to protect adjacent houses and a garage. One vehicle at a neighboring house had melted plastic from the heat.

Windows, doors, and parts of the house could be seen in the lake and far from the burning structure. Neighbors said there was initially a fire and then a loud explosion was heard shaking houses a significant distance from the burning house.

The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation at this time by the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office in conjunction with the Amherst Fire Department.

The following fire departments assisted with putting out the fire and providing station coverage: New Boston, Manchester, Bedford, Milford, Merrimack, Hollis, Mount Vernon, and Nashua.

New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s Office, NH Environmental Services, NH Mechanical inspectors, and other agencies are on the scene.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news.