Houses next door to each other in Franklin caught fire hours apart on Saturday, officials said.
The Franklin Fire Department responded to a fire on 39 Elkins St. at 9:27 a.m., according to the department. The crew, along with Tilton-Northfield and Sanbornton personnel, entered the four-unit, three-story building with hoses but found it difficult to reach the second and third floors due to fire in the roof and walls.
The fire reached a third alarm and departments from Meredith and Gilmanton responded. With several other crews, it took 45 minutes to get the fire under control and over two hours to clear the scene, said Deputy Fire Chief David Hall.
Only one unit was occupied and the resident was not home at the time of the fire. No one was injured and a pet was rescued and reunited with its owner, officials said.
Later at 3:28 p.m., the Franklin Fire Department responded to another reported fire at 35 Elkins St., shortly after crews finished cleanup next door. Hall said the two fires are considered unrelated, with the first fire likely to be undetermined and the second being investigated by the fire marshal.
The Tilton-Northfield and Sanbornton fire departments were called again for aid after a report of heavy smoke on the second and third floors. Franklin crews were responding to another medical call, leaving only one staff member on the responding engine, according to a separate statement.
Crews arrived and extinguished a small fire on the second floor in a bedroom. Hall said the building sustained heavy smoke damage and five people have been displaced.
Hall said many recent fires have been caused by flames traveling from the outside to the inside of homes, as was the case for 39 Elkins St. home.
Fire danger ratings have maintained a high or very high rating since Aug. 8, according to New Hampshire Forest Rangers.
