Major Early Morning Fire near Mound Park
The flames and smoke were visible for nearly a quarter-mile.
At about 5:30 this morning, a large home at the corner of Logan Street and Hutchins became fully engulfed.
This home was to be vacant.
Members of Portsmouth Fire Department, Company’s 2 and 3 responded.
The fire also burned along a fence line and there was concern about it spreading to the neighboring homes or even the school across the narrow street. There was talk of evacuations of nearby homes, but it seems they just occupied the neighboring home to prevent it from catching fire.
At 7:30 am it was reported that the home next door began to catch fire. It’s also supposed to be vacant.
At 7 am, the firefighters were cleared to knock over the chimney structure. The Captain on the scene worked to ensure all the responders were safely out of the way as they attempted to bring down several thousand pounds of bricks.
At this time, all fire, police, and EMS remain on scene working with the situation.
Update #1
At 9:10 am, Engine 3 was relieved of its duties and left the scene.
A rekindling of the fire, at some point, is highly likely. Units will certainly be at the ready.
Update #2
At 9:37 am, all emergency units cleared the scene. No injuries were reported.
