3 residents, 2 dogs displaced after Northfield mobile home fire

NORTHFIELD — A Franklin police officer was in the right place at the right time Friday morning when he noticed a home on fire on Cross Mill Road in Northfield. While first responders were able to evacuate the homeowners and their pets, the home is considered a total loss, and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

There were no injuries to the residents, their pets, or firefighters on the scene.

Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS, along with the Franklin Fire Department, responded to reports of smoke coming from the rear of the home at 7:42 a.m. on Dec. 12. After further investigation, a fire was discovered around a woodstove pipe in the wall and ceiling area.

When crews arrived on scene six minutes later, at 7:48 a.m., they encountered heavy fire in the ceiling and walls. Due to a space between the ceiling and the roof, the fire spread rapidly along the roofline.

Using hooks and tools, firefighters opened the ceiling to help abate the blaze.

Mutual aid was provided by Belmont, Laconia and Sanbornton. Station coverage was provided by New Hampton and Concord. When Concord was called to assist at the scene, Gilmanton covered the station in their stead.

“It was his quick thinking while driving by that saved even further damage or injuries,” said Tilton-Northfield Fire Chief Sean Valovanie of the Franklin officer.

This is the second fire in Northfield this week believed to be caused by a woodstove. Earlier in the week, crews responded to a similar incident on Fellows Hill Road.

Firefighters responded to a report of a garage fire at 8:51 p.m. on Dec. 8, that originated from a woodstove used earlier the same day. Crews on the scene were able to save the home, but that’s not always the case.

Homeowners should “call in a professional to make sure all your woodstove components are up to code,” recommended Valovanie.

“Solid fuel heat is a great resource for New Englanders; however, wood and pellet stoves must be installed and maintained per manufacturers’ specifications and fire codes to prevent fires,” he wrote in a press release.