An investigation is under way in Franklin after a fire began in an unoccupied ranch home Wednesday morning.
Franklin Fire Department responded at 5:19 a.m. and arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the East High Street residence. Capt. Jason Jenks had prior knowledge that the occupant wasn’t there, and firefighters forced their way in and found flames in the entryway to the house.
Franklin Fire Department noted fire crews had trouble making their way through the building due to “extreme hoarding.”
“Hoarding is a major problem nationwide,” said Chief Kevin LaChapelle, “and poses a greater danger to firefighters who are already entering zero visibility conditions.”
The Tilton/Northfield and Sanbornton fire departments provided firefighting help, and the Belmont department covered the Franklin station. A total of 18 firefighters were on the scene, and the Franklin Police Department also provided assistance.
The fire was under control within 30 minutes, and the house – a single family rental home owned by Robert Hofmann – sustained “extensive” heat and smoke damage. No one was injured in the blaze.
This particular fire was believed to have started in the home’s entryway, though the cause is unknown. A joint investigation is being conducted by the Franklin Fire Department and the Office of the New Hampshire Fire Marshal.
(Elodie Reed can be reached at 369-3306, ereed@cmonitor.com or on Twitter
@elodie_reed.)