Firefighters in Hinsdale N.H. responded to the report of a structure fire on High Street in Hinsdale at approximately 5:30 A.M. Sunday April 4, 2004.
First arriving units on the scene found a 2 story wood frame home with heavy fire in the second floor. The building had been segmented into three units, and firefighters began an interior attack, attempting to extinguish the fire, which had started in a two story apartment at the south end of the building.
A second alarm was struck, bringing mutual aid units from the Brattleboro Vt. and Northfield, Mass. fire departments, as well as an ambulance from Rescue Inc. in Brattleboro Vt. Winchester, N.H. units covered the Hinsdale fire station.
Fire spread into an adjacent second floor apartment, causing significant damage. A third apartment, on the first floor of the building sustained smoke and water damage.
An aerial ladder from Hinsdale was raised in front of the fire building to allow ventilation. Later, a line was stretched up the ladder to help extinguish lingering hot spots in the attic area on the north side of the building.
A motorist passing by the house initially discovered the fire, stopping to warn residents who were asleep in the apartments. All occupants escaped the fire, with one receiving minor burns to his feet. A small dog was rescued by its owner through a window.
The fire took approximately 45 minutes to control, although units were tied up into the morning for overhaul and clean up.
The American Red Cross was called in to assist the victims with their immediate needs.
