Firefighters save 10 pets, investigators seek 2 men in suspicious blaze

No firefighter injuries were reported in a suspicious apartment fire where firefighters saved dogs, cats and birds

October 08, 2012 05:08 AM

By Dave Bradley
The Union Leader

FRANKLIN, N.H. — Authorities investigating a suspicious fire at 4 Pleasant St. Friday night were still looking Saturday for two men seen leaving the building.

None of the building’s tenants were at home when the fire began around 5:30 p.m.

Investigators determined that the fire started in an empty first-floor apartment. “The apartment was vacant, and two subjects were seen fleeing the building at the time the fire started,” said fire Chief Kevin LaChapelle.

One tenant suffered minor injuries outside the building as firefighters fought the blaze, which was reported by two neighbors at 5:33 p.m. Ten pets were saved by police and firefighters, said LaChapelle.

Upon arriving, firefighters from the Franklin and Tilton-Northfield fire departments found dark smoke coming from the second-floor windows, he said. They managed to contain the flames to the first-floor apartment, but smoke, flames and water caused damage in several parts of the building.

Fire crews did a primary search of the building, opening all apartment doors, he said. They didn’t find any tenants.

“But we did rescue five dogs, three cats, a rabbit and a parakeet,” LaChapelle said.

The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes.

LaChapelle said investigators from the Franklin fire and police departments are working with investigators from the state Fire Marshal’s office to identify the two men who fled the building.

The American Red Cross Disaster Action Team provided financial support with food, clothing and temporary lodging to those affected by the fire.