April 13--SWANZEY -- A man rescued from his burning home late Friday night by on off-duty firefighter was taken to the hospital with burns.
Swanzey firefighter Justin Tracy was driving on Sawyers Crossing Road just before 10:45 p.m. when he saw the house on fire and heard calls for help, according to a news release from the Swanzey Fire Department.
Tracy was able to help Kenneth Blair, 62, outside the home as firefighters and an ambulance were en route. Blair owns the home at 365 Sawyers Crossing Road.
He was taken to Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene and then transferred to a hospital in Boston sometime later in the night, according to the release.
Swanzey Fire Chief Norman W. Skantze said he didn't know the severity of Blair's burns.
The fire grew to a third alarm and departments from 10 towns assisted Swanzey, according to the release. The fire was under control in about 30 minutes, but crews were on the scene until about 6 a.m. Saturday. There were no other residents home at the time.
The Swanzey Fire Department and N.H. State Fire Marshal's Office have ruled the fire accidental, but the investigation into the cause is ongoing.
Skantze said the house had significant damage and could be a total loss.
Kaitlin Mulhere can be reached at 352-1234, extension 1439, or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @KMulhereKS.
Copyright 2014 - The Keene Sentinel, N.H.
