Two people, 12 dogs evacuated from single-family home fire in Franklin

FRANKLIN — Two occupants and 12 dogs made it out safely after the fire department was dispatched to a building structure fire at a single-family home at 137 Prospect St. at 12:01 p.m. on Dec. 27.

The fire was started by a malfunctioning wood stove and has been deemed an accident. The fire was under control by 1:30 p.m.

Two occupants were evaluated on the scene but refused additional treatment and were released. There were no injuries reported.

Franklin Fire Chief Mike Foss arrived on the scene and said he saw smoke from an exterior wall and from the first floor. One of two occupants had already evacuated, as well as five of 12 dogs, but Franklin Police Chief Daniel Poirier advised there was still one occupant inside, according to a press release from Capt. Daniel Chapman of the Franklin Fire Department. In addition to Franklin Fire, The Tilton-Northfield Fire and EMS and Sanbornton fire departments came to help at the scene.

Due to the circumstances, Foss requested additional help, bringing in 11 more agencies to the scene, including Bristol, Belmont, Boscawen, Laconia, Gilford, Concord, Andover and Salisbury fire departments, as well as Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid. Two calls were received and handled by Canterbury Fire Department, Penacook Rescue Squad, and Stewart's Ambulance while covering at the station.

Foss said it’s up to the officer-in-charge to request additional companies at the scene, and since he was first at the fire, it was his call to make.

“We had people that needed assistance, and when you're removing that many dogs, fire companies can get tied up doing that,” he said. “The fire got bigger than we were hoping, so we called in additional help to ensure that it wouldn't spread throughout the building.

“We don't need all those trucks, but we do need firefighters,” Foss said. "Franklin, we're short-staffed on firefighters, so we have to call them from other places.”

Franklin Engine 1 and Ladder 1 arrived at the scene four minutes after the fire department was dispatched, and began a search of the first floor. All dogs inside were removed safely. The fire was contained to the first floor and basement. The fire damage occurred mostly on the front side porch, and the first floor and basement will need extensive professional cleaning due to smoke damage.

“I do think they'll be able to rebuild the home,” Foss said. “Even though the damage did occur, most of it occurred to that front side porch.”