By Jordan J. Phelan
Staff Writer
NEWPORT — Hours after a raging fire destroyed one business and threatened others at a Newport strip mall on Route 11/103 early Monday morning, including a local market and animal advocacy organization, the community was already raising funds to support those most affected by the unexpected blaze.
In a press release issued on Monday, Newport Fire Chief Steven Yannuzzi said that personnel responded to a report of smoke in the building located at 51 John Stark Highway at 6:46 a.m. Upon arrival, members of the Newport Fire Department found a working fire in Camden Brook Market and Cafe located at 53 John Stark Highway. Smoke was found throughout the six-unit strip mall and personnel worked to ventilate the structure.
The building was not equipped with a sprinkler system, according to Yannuzzi.
Firefighters also rescued several dogs from the nearby Wags and Wiggles Rescue, an organization that strives to “promote animal welfare awareness through community education” and “find loving forever homes for strays and mistreated dogs.”
There were no reported injuries and the fire remains under investigation, according to Sullivan County fire and emergency officials.
A post made to Camden Brook Market and Cafe’s Facebook page thanked local fire personnel for their help.
“Unfortunately this morning we suffered an electrical fire and the store is a complete loss,” reads a post on Camden Brook Market and Cafe’s Facebook page. “We will be closed at this point, we don’t know when we’ll be able to reopen. Thank you to the Newport Fire Department for all their efforts and saving the dogs next door!”
Andy, a labrador retriever mix and new addition to Wags and Wiggles Rescue, was taken to Small Animal Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (SAVES) in Lebanon for treatment for smoke inhalation. As of Tuesday afternoon, Andy has been discharged from the hospital and is doing well, according to the organization.
“. . .Thank you to the Newport Fire Department, police, and EMS for going into the building and helping our dogs to safety,” reads a post on Wags and Wiggles Rescue’s Facebook page.
More than $1,000 has been raised for Wags and Wiggles Rescue since the fire occurred and an outpouring of well wishes and kind offerings have made their way to the organization through numerous social media platforms. To donate, visit bit.ly/3hgDfFS.
Claremont Fire Department responded to the scene to assist. Sunapee Fire Department provided a cover engine for Newport.
Ten miles east of Newport, another fire broke out on Monday, this one in Claremont, after lightning struck an apartment building.
A crew of four with the Claremont Fire Department were dispatched by Claremont Safety Services Dispatch Center to a three-story, seven-unit apartment building located at 8 Union St. around 9:42 p.m. after reports of a fire in the structure’s attic that started with a lightning strike.
The first engine to arrive found fire conditions on the third-floor exterior near the roof. Personnel entered the building and found the fire had extended into the attic and began to extinguish the flames.
The fire was brought under control at 10:58 p.m after extensive overhaul to the attic, according to Claremont Fire Chief Bryan Burr.
The three-story apartment building suffered extensive damage to the roof and all apartments on all levels were affected by smoke and water, with the exception of one unit that is separated from the main structure.
Personnel remained on scene into the morning.
There were no reported injuries but one firefighter was transported to Valley Regional Hospital for an undisclosed injury and was released a few hours later, Burr said.
Six of the building’s seven units are currently unable to be occupied.
Ascutney and Cornish Fire Departments covered the Claremont station and Newport Fire Department provided additional help on scene. The Claremont Police Department directed traffic and blocked off Union Street.
According to Burr, the building met all requirements of the New Hampshire state fire code, the city’s multi-family inspection program, and its smoke alarms were properly installed and working at the time of the fire.
The city’s building and accessing departments have been informed on the incident, according to the press release.
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