On December 13, 2017, the Keene Fire Department was dispatched at 1710 hours to a residence at 153 Island St. in Keene for a report of a room fire.
The first Fire Department units (Car 3, Engine 1, Engine 2 and C1) arrived on scene at 1713 hours and reported a 2-story house with a room fire on the 2nd floor towards the rear of the house. Fire crews were assigned to extinguish the fire and check for extension. A 2nd alarm was sounded at 1714 hours for additional units and manpower to the scene to assist. Additional arriving crews were assigned to check for any extension. The fire was knocked down by 1719 hours and crews worked for the next hour to assure extinguishment of the fire. The fire was contained to the 2nd floor room. There was extensive smoke damage to the 2nd floor. The fire was called under control at 1740 hours.
Keene crews were assisted on scene by Keene Police, Swanzey Fire, and Eversource. Additional crews from Swanzey, Chesterfield, Spofford, and Walpole were assigned to cover the Keene stations during the incident.
The Keene Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit investigated the cause of the fire. The fire is classified as “accidental” and the cause was “improper disposal of smoking materials”. Building damage is estimated at $25,000 dollars.
For further information contact:
Jeffrey Chickering
Deputy Fire Chief
City of Keene Fire Department