No injuries after building fire in Tilton, pet still missing

TILTON — There were no injuries after firefighters from Tilton and Franklin responded to a serious building fire late Monday night, remaining on the scene until early Tuesday morning.

A fire alarm at the home, located at 29 Chestnut St., was activated at 11:47 p.m. Monday, and Franklin Fire Chief Mike Foss was the first to arrive on the scene at 11:56 p.m., according to a press release from Tilton Deputy Chief Sean Valovanie.

Foss observed heavy fire and smoke emanating from the basement of a duplex-style two-story building. Firefighters from Tilton-Northfield were delayed in their arrival because of a cardiac arrest and CPR incident on the outskirts of the fire district and which was ongoing.

Firefighters from Franklin forced open a basement door upon their arrival and enhanced a hose line, encountering heavy fire. After suppressing the fire in the basement, more flames were observed on the first floor of the building. Tilton-Northfield firefighters arrived on scene and engaged in an offensive attack on the first and second floors.

Firefighters from Laconia, Sanbornton, Belmont, Gilford, Concord, Meredith and Gilmanton then arrived to supply additional support onscene.

The fire was brought under control by 1:52 a.m. Firefighters from Andover and New Hampton provided cover and responded to three additional 911 calls during the time of the fire.

The building was apparently constructed in a “balloon frame” style which Valovanie said can lead to rapid spread up walls and into void spaces.

“Balloon frame construction poses unique firefighting problems due to the lack of horizontal fire stops between the studs of the exterior walls,” he wrote in the release.

The cause of the fire is unknown but there were no injuries. One pet died in the fire and another is missing. The Red Cross is assisting four people.

“Our mutual aid partners were outstanding,” Tilton-Northfield Capt. Jon Powell said. “Chief Foss and Franklin Fire’s automatic response made a real difference today, especially with Tilton-Northfield crews engaged in the previous incident. All the mutual aid companies worked tirelessly, given the challenges of the Balloon construction. We’re fortunate to have such dedicated and skilled departments supporting us.”