Due to quick action by both residents and firefighters, a fire on Forest Street in Londonderry was extinguished before any real harm could be done. The call came in at about 12:48 PM yesterday afternoon, Thursday July 29th, reporting the brush fire. A passerby had noticed smoke in the area, called a neighbor, who then called the resident. The resident’s son ran out and began spraying the area with a garden hose while she called the Fire Department. Londonderry Fire responded immediately, along with Derry Fire, as the fire was reported to be on the town line.
While en route, responders were told that the fire was very close to some propane tanks, as well as the houses in the area. When firefighters arrived, they found a 50 by 100 foot area of burning brush and woods. They were able to extinguish the fire by 1:19 PM, just moments before it would have reached the propane tank. According to Londonderry Fire Inspector Brian Johnson, the fire came within a foot of the propane tank and within inches of a neighbor’s shed before it was extinguished.
Firefighters did have some difficulty ensuring the fire would remain out due to the recent dry weather and thickly wooded location. Londonderry Fire remained on scene until just after 2 PM, doing an extensive overhaul of the area. The overhaul included digging down about one foot and soaking the debris with water.
Brian Johnson believes the fire may have been smoldering for a few days before catching. He also believes that it may have been caused by kids playing in the woods or the careless discard of a burning material. He warns residents that the fire danger has been very high lately, and that the lack of rain has caused everything to be dry. He asks that everyone be aware of kids playing in the woods, and to always extinguish cigarettes or other burning substances completely.
On arrival moments after the call, came in Londonderry Fire reported that the fire was made up of wood, logs, brush and other debris. The access to the back of the homes in the woods was reported as being “Blocked by a large dog” early in the call. The animal was secured at about quarter after the hour and firefighters headed in with backpacks and hand tools.
Vinnie Curro one of the on call firefighters arrived at 6:52 with “rehab” drinking water and supplies for the teams working. Londonderry had 10 members on scene and Litchfield had 7 working the fire. The temperature was 86 degrees with humidity at 74% while the men and women were working the blaze.
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