MANCHESTER, NH – A child hiding in a closet playing with a lighter sparked a fire Saturday on Ahern Street, leaving seven people displaced, causing $45,000 in damages and leaving the home uninhabitable.
According to a narrative of the Nov. 15 incident provided by fire officials:
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Just after noon four engines, two ladder trucks, and several rescue vehicles were dispatched to 62 Ahern Street for a fire in a second-floor bedroom.
The fire was deemed under control by 12:28 p.m., but caused extensive damage to the second floor as well as smoke and water damage throughout the first floor.
Fire crews conducted a search of the residence after initial reports came in that the occupants were inside, but that information was incorrect.
Seven people were displaced, including two adults and five children.
A quick knock-down of the fire by firefighters from E-9 on Calef Road prevented extension of the fire to the attached units on either side of the residence, officials said.
Damages are estimated at approximately $45,000.
The building is owned by Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority and was deemed uninhabitable.
The incident is under further investigation by the Manchester Fire Marshal’s Office and Manchester Police.