Historic New Hampshire Inn Destroyed by Fire

PIERMONT, N.H. (AP) -- Firefighters battled flames and frigid temperatures as fire destroyed the historic Piermont Inn.

Fire Chief Wayne Godfrey said temperatures dipped to 18 below zero Monday night, freezing equipment and pushing firefighters to their limits.

The inn, built in 1812, was being renovated and a neighbor said the work was nearly done.

Two people were living in the inn escaped safely.

Godfrey said he believes the fire started in a chimney near a wood stove connection.