Elderly Man Killed In Early Morning House Fire On Leda Ave

MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester Fire, police, and AMR ambulance responded to a reported house fire at 360 Leda Ave after a neighbor spotted flames coming from the house Wednesday.

Firefighters responded at 2:47 a.m. and while en route, they were advised an elderly man lived in the house and the neighbor was not sure if they were home.

The house is located on a dead-end street on the outskirts of the city near the Hooksett line and responders were advised there were no hydrants on the street. Responding crews coordinated alternative water supply by bringing additional engines to the scene for a water shuttle.

Engine 10 arrived and reported smoke showing and made entry into the house. Crews quickly discovered a fire in the kitchen and knocked down the fire.

Firefighters reported they located an elderly man who was not conscious and not breathing and removed him from inside the rear portion of the house.

Firefighters and medics from AMR worked to revive the man but despite life-saving measures, the man died at the scene.

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshals Office was notified due to the fatality and investigators arrived at the scene to work with Manchester fire investigators and Manchester police.

Manchester Fire Battalion Chief Kenneth Proulx said crews were prepared to run hose lines through the woods to nearby hydrants. However, the water in the tanks of several engines provided ample supply.

Proulx said that Manchester police officers were the first to enter the house and reported they did not hear any smoke detectors sounding. The fire was believed to have started in the kitchen. But the final cause and origin of the fire are being investigated.

Positive identification of the victim and cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy that will take place at the NH State Medical Examiner’s Office in Concord, NH, on Thursday.

The investigation into the origin & cause of the fire is active and ongoing by members of the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Manchester Fire and Police Departments. At this time, the fire does not appear suspicious.

One Firefighter sustained a minor injury to their hand. and no responders were injured according to Battalion Chief Proulx.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office at (603) 223-4289 or by email at fmo@dos.nh.gov.

State Fire Marshal Toomey would like to remind all citizens of the importance of having working smoke alarms in their home. In the event of an alarm activation or visible smoke or fire, immediately exit your home and call 9-1-1.

Keep exits clear and accessible at all times and have a home fire escape plan. If you have any questions about fire safety in your home, please contact your local fire department or the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news