08/23/2026
Building Fire update a week late!
On Saturday morning 8/15/2026 Bristol Fire Department was dispatched for a fire alarm at 22 H**p Hill Road at 05:38, arrived on scene at 05:49 and cleared in service from fire alarm at 05:50.
Then on the way back to the station Bristol and Alexandria Fire Departments were dispatched to smoke in the building at 05:53 at 21 Village West Drive, this was the very last condo off West Shore Rd. Bristol Engine 2 under the command of Captain Clayman arrived on scene at 05:58, and during his 360 investigation and speaking with a neighbor Captain Clayman noticed smoke from windows on floors 1 and 2, but quickly determined it to be a basement fire. Due to the structure being 3 floors in the rear and a walk out basement a handline was immediately stretched to the rear basement level, entry forced and fire in the rear of the basement extending up to the 1st floor was found. The fire had been buring for sometime in the concealed ceiling / floor space and burned a large hole clear up and through to the 1st floor. This is a very dangerous situation for our memebers, recognized and passed along to in coming companies quickly. Additional companies arrived on scene from Bristol (C2,C3,E4,L1,U1) and Alexandria and searches of floors 1 and 2 found no people, but a cat was located, removed and resuscitation efforts made, unfortunately they were unsuccessful. A 2nd handline was stretched to floor 1 and fire contained to the basement and floor 1.
We deal with the unknown on a lot of fires and sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. In one of the pictures a red circle, shows a wood stove and harth hanging half over the burned out floor to the basement. This situation could have been much worse and unknown to our members with little to no visibility.
This condo fire did not get anywhere near following and attention of the one from a few weeks back, but highlights what we do during times people are not as out and about.
Due to the swift actions the neighbors where able to stay in thier condo after some minor smoke removal and air quality monitoring.
Bristol and Alexandria NH Fire Department would like to thank our mutual aid partners, City of Franklin Fire Department, Bridgewater Fire, Hebron Fire, Stewart's Ambulance for their assistance.
All companies were clear and in service at 07:14.
