2-Alarm Fire Destroys Merrimack Lake Front Home, Three Injured

MERRIMACK, NH - Merrimack fire, and police were dispatched to a reported structure fire Thursday at 32 Shore Drive on Baboosic Lake at about 6:55 p.m.

While en route they were advised there was heavy fire, and occupants were jumping out of the second-floor window.

When the first arriving units pulled up the house was fully engulfed in fire, and there was a report of one person trapped inside the house.

Fire crews were immediately challenged with water supply. The cause of the water supply problem was debris including small rocks from the water main clogging the intake screens on the fire engines and blocking the water supply to the fire scene.

A second alarm was called and additional ambulances were requested due to the reported injuries.

Firefighters were advised the person who had jumped from the second floor had been picked up by a boat and brought to a boat ramp. Amherst Ambulance was dispatched to treat and transport the patient.

Intense heat from the house fire started several brush fires and burned items outside the house including a nearby boat. Kayaks near the water melted from the heat as firefighters continued to struggle with the water supply.

The building began to collapse and firefighters moved away from the structure for safety. It was verified that the second person who was believed to be inside the house had escaped.

Two firefighters were transported from the scene by ambulances standing by. The injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

As additional engines and personnel arrived hose lines were stretched from hydrants further from the scene to establish a steady water supply. The house continued to collapse, and firefighters worked to extinguish the house fire and other items burning nearby.

An excavator is being brought to the scene to knock down the one remaining wall of the house so that the fire can be extinguished.

Merrimack Fire Chief Matthew Duke said he has no information on the condition of the patient who jumped from the second floor. The firefighters injured are expected to recover.

Drone footage of the fire:

On the Amherst side of Baboosic Lake a house recently blew up injuring one person, and the remains under investigation - CLICK HERE

A large group of residents from the lake watched from boats as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters remained on the scene late into the evening and returned to the scene Friday morning.

Merrimack Village District water supply said in a statement "Once this blockage was cleared, the MVD hydrants provided an uninterrupted supply of water to fight the fire. Merrimack Fire Rescue appreciates the ongoing support of the Merrimack Village District."

Patch will update as additional information becomes available

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news