Trench Cut Helps Save N.H. Building from Fire

Feb. 3, 2013
Between the trench cuts and a fire wall, firefighters were able to keep the fire to the original part of the building.

Shortly after 5 p.m. on Jan. 29, Bedford Fire started to receive calls reporting a building fire at 228 South River Road.

While enroute, the fire alarm operator advised Bedford C-2 that multiple calls were being taken and callers reporting fire showing from the windows and roof area. With that report C-2 struck the working fire.

Upon arrival of C-2, he reported a two-story brick-and-wood irregular shaped 100- by 40-foot office building with fire showing and quickly struck the second alarm. The officer in charge reported the building to be 50 percent involved and special called two extra ladder trucks over the second alarm.

Firefighters conducted an interior attack but after a few minutes were pulled due to the heavy fire conditions coming from the attic and roof area.

A third alarm was struck as firefighters went to work setting up master streams and multiple handlines while truck companies did trench cuts in the cove area of the building.

Between the trench cuts and a fire wall, firefighters were able to keep the fire to the orginal part of the building.

It took firefighters about 90 minutes to bring the fire under control. Mutual aid from several area departments assisted at the scene.

No injuries were reported and the fire remains under investigation by the Bedford Fire Department.

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