Fire And Explosions At Homeless Camp Near Manchester Londonderry Line

MANCHESTER, NH — Firefighters battled a large brush fire Sunday on the Manchester and Londonderry town line Sunday.

Crews responded to a report of a large fire and reports of several explosions in the area of Sheffield Road at 8:25 p.m. First-arriving companies arrived in the area and could see a heavy column of smoke coming from deep in the woods between South Willow Street and Mammoth Road.

The crews at the scene had trouble accessing the site of the actual fire because of the dense vegetation and lack of access roads or known trails. Command was established on South Mammoth Road, and access was gained through the rear of 1029 South Mammoth Road. The crews had to bushwhack their way to the actual fire, which was determined to be an encampment in the woods, which was fully involved, according to Manchester Fire Battalion Chief Robert Plantier.

Numerous small explosions were heard coming from the scene, which were attributed to propane tanks in the area of the fire.

Command requested additional resources, including forestry units, side-by-side UTVs, and firefighters. Crews were able to assist with dragging approximately 600 to 800 feet of large-diameter hose through the brush to set up a hub where smaller hose lines could be deployed.

The area of the fire was quickly searched for possible victims, but the camp was determined to be vacant.

Crews waiting for a water source to be established effectively prevented the fire from spreading using backpack water tanks with hand
pumps that the initial Engine companies carried in. The Fire was quickly knocked down and overhauled.

Manchester Fire's response included engines 2, 3, 8,11, forestry 1 and 2, and ATV1.

The fire was deemed under control at 9:29 p.m.

The fire remains under investigation by the Manchester Fire Marshal’s office.