Man dies in Leda Avenue fire | Manchester Ink Link

Published 22/03/2023 · Updated 22/03/2023

A man died in a fire at 360 Leda Ave. Photo/Jeffrey Hastings

MANCHESTER, NH – A man died in an early morning fire Wednesday despite efforts to resuscitate him.

Just before 3 a.m. fire companies were dispatched to 360 Leda Ave. for a reported building fire.

While en route they were advised by dispatch that an elderly man lived in the house and the neighbor was not sure if the man was home.

The house is located on a dead-end street on the outskirts of the city near the Hooksett line and responders were advised there were no hydrants on the street. Crews coordinated alternative water supply and ample water was available from tank trucks, according to Battalion Chief Kenneth Proulx.

Upon arrival crews encountered smoke and fire showing from a first-floor rear window extending to the second floor. First arriving engine company advanced a hose line and made an aggressive interior attack knocking the fire down quickly, additional crews conducted a primary search and rescue operation where they found a victim in a rear bedroom on the first floor, unconscious and not breathing.

The victim was removed from the home and resuscitation efforts were made by MFD and AMR personnel. Unfortunately, the occupant succumbed to the fire conditions and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Positive identification of the victim and cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy that will take place at the NH State Medical Examiner’s Office in Concord, NH, on March 23, 2023.

The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is active and ongoing by members of the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Manchester Fire and Police Departments.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office at (603) 223-4289 or by email at [email protected].

State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey would like to remind all citizens of the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. In the event of an alarm activation or visible smoke or fire, immediately exit your home and call 9-1-1. Keep exits clear and accessible at all times and have a home fire escape plan. If you have any questions about fire safety in your home, please contact your local fire department or the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Civilian Injuries: One fatality

Emergency Service Injuries: One Firefighter sustained a minor injury to their hand.

Special Circumstances: Water supply, no hydrants in the area.

Property Loss: Approximately $50,000

Property Saved: Approximately $300,00