Franklin house burns down, leaving family without shelter, 2 dogs dead

FRANKLIN — A family is without a home and two dogs are dead after a house fire Friday.

“It was well involved on our arrival,” Deputy Chief David Hall said when reached by phone Friday afternoon, regarding the fire on the 300 block of Smith Hill Road.

“It was a defensive operation from the start.”

Firefighters were dispatched at 10:32 a.m. on Feb. 27, to Smith Hill Road, for reports of a building fire, according to a department press release. Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS, Salisbury and Bristol fire departments were automatically called to help.

As crews from Franklin responded, Hall reported a column of smoke visible from South Main Street, and called for additional companies. Franklin Engine 4, with Hall, arrived onscene at 10:42 a.m., and saw heavy fire in a Cape-style home with an attached garage. Franklin companies attacked the fire from the outside with the first engine, then had to wait for mutual aid partners for more water.

Companies were apparently hindered in their response due to a delay in notification to 911, and lack of initial water supply. The homeowner was not able to connect to 911 because of poor cellular service, and had to walk a distance before making a successful call. Further complicating matters, the fire occurred in a rural area, and the nearest hydrant is 2.5 miles away from the scene. Another engine came from Tilton, and it, too, was delayed because of another call.

Crews ran out of water initially, but then established a rural hitch, a sort of chain to connect firefighting equipment to a water supply.

The house is considered a total loss, according to the release. The Red Cross is assisting the family of two adults and five children. The fire remains under investigation, but the cause is considered to be accidental.

“Thank you to all of our mutual aid partners for their hard work. Franklin was assisted on scene by Bristol Fire Department, Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS, Sanbornton Fire Department, Belmont Fire Department, Laconia Fire Department, Andover Fire Department, Salisbury Fire Department, Canterbury Fire Dept., New Hampton Fire Department, Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid. New London and Penacook Rescue provided station coverage,” Capt. Daniel Chapman wrote in the release.