Barnstead apartment fire displaces families

By JAMIE L. COSTA

Monitor staff

Published: 03-10-2023 6:55 PM

A multi-family apartment complex in Barnstead was evacuated Thursday night after a fire broke out in one of the first-floor units, fire officials said. 

Barnstead Fire Department responded to the five-unit apartment complex on South Barnstead Road near the town baseball fields at 5 p.m. on Thursday after receiving reports of smoke coming from the lower level of the building. The fire was contained by 6 p.m. and the scene was cleared by 7:45 p.m.

The first-floor apartment was not occupied when it caught fire and the blaze was contained to the laundry room and bathroom area of the apartment. It did not venture into the surrounding or above apartment complexes, said Barnstead Fire Captain Dan Corger. 

Despite the containment, three families were displaced as a result of smoke damage to the building and the American Red Cross was called in to assist the residents. Two apartments were vacant at the time of the fire. 

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Corger said the cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious in nature. 

The Barnstead Fire Department was assisted by Alton, Stafford, Pittsfield, Farmington and Gilmanton fire departments. 

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