12 YEARS AGO TODAY ANOTHER SERIOUS FIRE WAS FOUGHT

SOUTH LONDONDERRY—A historic home was heavily damaged in a four-alarm fire on New Year’s Day. Units from 10 surrounding communities fought the blaze, which started in an attached barn and spread to the main building. Firefighters struggled to gain access to the fire, working under disorienting conditions inside the smoky house, said Chief George Lang of South Londonderry Fire Department. “The fire was in the third floor and we couldn’t find access,” he said, adding that at one point he pulled his firefighters out to regroup. “It was a very stubborn fire.” Units from South Londonderry, Londonderry, and Weston were initially called to the fire, at the 1850s-era house across from the library. Within minutes of the 11:54 a.m. call, additional units were summoned from Weston and Winhall, said dispatcher Joe Sangermano of Mutual Aid in Keene, N.H. They were soon joined by the Stratton, Peru, Jamaica, Wardsboro, and Manchester fire departments. “Someone pounded on my door and said the house was on fire,” said neighbor Bruce Frauman, who was among several 911 callers. “I saw flames coming out the roof of the barn.” The house, owned by Barbara Callahan, was being leased by the Mahogany run Ski Club of Vineland, N.J., said club president Walt Muessig. “We lease it for the season,” he said, declining to identify the most recent tenants. “Their time was supposed to be over Friday.” Officials had not spoken with the tenants at presstime, and their whereabouts could not be established. Callahan was out of state and could not be reached for comment. No injuries were reported in the fire, but the house was effectively destroyed due to fire, smoke, and water damage, said Lang. “The house is basically totaled,” he said. “It was extensively damaged.” But Lang credited an efficient response with preventing even more serious damage or loss of life. “I can’t say enough about the mutual aid,” he said. “(The fire) was really going.” Fire inspectors were due to investigate the blaze Monday night, and Lang said firefighters would remain on the scene to water the building and watch for flare-ups. “We hate to see the old houses leave us,” he said. “Hell of a way to start the new year.”