By JEFFREY HASTINGS

On the Scene

NASHUA – Nashua Fire Rescue battled a blaze at 68 Ash St., a large multi-unit building, and an estimated 30 to 40 people evacuated early Sunday morning.

At about 12:15 a.m. the first engine met with heavy fire shooting out of the second floor and a second alarm was requested bringing mutual aid from multiple towns and cities, and AMR ambulance. 

Firefighters were challenged with numerous power lines, and the close proximity of several buildings. The small street was filled with fire apparatus.

Christmas decorations hung from the fence in front of the house reminding everyone that it is less than a week until Christmas. Residents said that many of them have lost almost everything they owned in the fire.

Chief Brian Rhodes requested that the Office of Emergency Management be notified and called to the scene to assist with the many displaced residents. A city bus from Nashua Transit was requested to shelter the evacuees.

Crews worked to fight the fire in the initial building and protect the adjacent building where the siding was melting due to the heat. Firefighters immediately made entry into the building and began searching for occupants, and a third alarm was requested for additional resources.

After about an hour the fire was brought under control and crews worked to chase lingering hot spots. Eversource and Liberty Utilities were called to the scene to shut off service to the building. One power line was down in the road, and Eversource removed it.

The fire is under investigation by the Nashua Fire Marshal’s Office. At the time of this post it did not appear that any residents or firefighters were injured.