FRANKLIN — The City of Franklin Fire Department was dispatched to a reported building fire at 137 Prospect Street, on December 27, 2024. The Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS and Sanbornton Fire Departments were also toned as automatic aid. As Franklin crews responded, LRMFA Dispatch updated that the fire was in the wall near the wood stove and that all occupants were out. 

Chief Foss arrived minutes later to find smoke coming from an exterior wall and a smoke condition on the first floor. Franklin Police Chief Daniel Poirier advised that one man was still inside. Franklin Engine 1 and Ladder 1 arrived and began a search of the first floor, assisting a male and female occupant from the building. 

Occupants reported that there were multiple pets inside the residence, and a total of seven dogs were removed by firefighters during initial operations. Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire and contain fire damage to the area of origin, in the basement and first floor. Extensive overhaul was performed on all floors with concern due to balloon framing in the residence. 

A Second Alarm assignment was requested as fire conditions initially worsened while occupants and pets were removed from the building. When the fire was under control, there were no firefighter injuries; two occupants were medically evaluated and released. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it appears to be accidental.

Thank you to all our mutual aid partners for their hard work. Franklin was assisted on scene by Bristol Fire Department, Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS, Sanbornton Fire Department, Belmont Fire Department, Boscawen Fire Department, Laconia Fire Department, Gilford Fire department, Concord Fire Department, Andover Fire Department, Salisbury Fire Department, and the Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid. Two additional calls were received and handled by Canterbury Fire Department, Penacook Rescue Squad, and Stewart’s Ambulance while covering the Franklin Fire Station.