Officials: Fire on Ahern Street caused by child playing with lighter
Officials are investigating a fire on Ahern Street that appears to have been sparked by a child playing with a lighter.
According to a narrative of the Nov. 15 incident provided by fire officials:
Related story: After the fire, mom just thankful her children are safe
Just after noon four engines, two ladder trucks, and several rescue vehicles were dispatched to 62 Ahern Street for a fire in a second-floor bedroom.
The fire was deemed under control by 12:28 p.m., but caused extensive damage to the second floor as well as smoke and water damage throughout the first floor.
Fire crews conducted a search of the residence after initial reports came in that the occupants were inside, but that information was incorrect.
Seven people were displaced, including two adults and five children.
A quick knock-down of the fire by firefighters from E-9 on Calef Road prevented extension of the fire to the attached units on either side of the residence, officials said.
Damages are estimated at approximately $45,000.
The building is owned by Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority and was deemed uninhabitable.
The incident is under further investigation by the Manchester Fire Marshal’s Office and Manchester Police.
