Campton fire leaves Rod & Gun club member displaced

CAMPTON — A large fire at a condominium complex Thursday left at least one person displaced, and the Laconia Rod & Gun Club is working to help those affected through fundraising efforts.

The fire broke out at 27 Condo Road on Sept. 4, with Campton-Thornton Fire Department called at 9:11 a.m. Lt. Ricky Fowler of Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid confirmed companies from across the Lakes Region were called for the blaze.

At 3:15 p.m. crews were still at the scene, according to a dispatcher at Campton-Thornton Fire Department. Further inquiries were referred to Fire Chief Dan Defosses, who was unavailable for comment.

The Fire Marshal’s Office was called to the scene, and spokesperson Tyler Dumont said the office “is only providing an assistive role at this time,” and referred further comment to Campton-Thornton Fire.

Laconia Rod & Gun Club member Ron Judd said a member of the club was staying in one of the condos which caught fire. Judd said his friend was “in tears” and “completely distraught” Thursday morning, and the friend said he lost everything except his motorcycle, wallet and the clothing on his back.

“He is a friend of mine who I have known for several years, and we are trying to reach out and help him any way we can,” Judd said. “It kills me to see people in pain like that, and I can’t imagine what it is like to lose everything.”

Judd said plans are in the works to create a fundraiser for the fire victim, and he hopes the club can do something for the others affected by the fire, as well. He wants the community to rally and help the residents in need.

The club has already given the victim $1,000 to find lodging for the next few days.

“This is what our club does,” Judd said. “He has a lot of pride and didn’t want a check, but he just doesn’t know where to lay his head. So, we made sure he has some money to get a room.”