Chimney fire damages South Down Shores home

LACONIA — One half of a duplex unit in the South Down Shores sustained several thousands of dollars in damage after a chimney fire burned into the wall petition on Sunday night.

Firefighters responded to the first alarm fire at 19A Williamsburg Circle at 8:20 p.m. Sunday and initially responding units saw nothing form outside.

When Lt. Chris Shipp entered the home, it was smoky and he used a thermal imaging camera to determine there was heat and fire in the wall behind the first-floor fireplace.

Firefighters were able to contain the damage done to the room with the fireplace, although much of the wall had to come down to ensure the fire had not extended.

Crews from the Weirs Station determine the fire had not reached the second floor petitions or attic.

Firefighters used salvage covers to limit the amount of damage done to the interior of the room and were on the scene for about an hour.

Gilford firefighters responded to the scene while Belmont firefighters covered the Laconia Station while Meredith firefighters and Stewart's ambulance crews covered the rest of the station.

Damage was confined to the one home.