MANCHESTER, NH – The investigation into the origin and cause of the multi-alarm fire that occurred on Sept. 12 at 26/28 Sullivan St. has been concluded. Fire Investigators assigned to the Fire Marshal Division of the Manchester Fire Department determined that the fire was caused by improper disposal of smoking materials on the second floor porch located in the rear of the building. Manchester Fire Department investigators were assisted by an investigator from the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
During the course of the original fire event, two occupants of the building were seriously injured when they jumped from their third-floor bedroom window to the ground below due to rapidly deteriorating conditions within the building. Emergency care was immediately provided by first responders on scene prior to being transported to area hospitals by AMR ambulances. Due to the extent and seriousness of their injuries, they were both transferred to Boston area hospitals.
At the time of this release, both victims are still being treated for their injuries in Boston area hospitals. One has been listed in stable condition and the other is listed in critical condition.
One firefighter and three police officers were also treated for minor injuries at area hospitals as a result of their efforts during the original fire event.
Along with the two injured listed above, several animals were able to be evacuated from the building by their owners, however some of the pets were not able to be removed and did not survive the incident. There is no update on the status or location of any of the pets removed or still missing.
Due to the significant damage the structure sustained in the fire event and associated safety concerns, the building will be razed in the coming days.