[Slickcraft]

Today's Citizen:

Probe into 3-alarm blaze continuing
Gilford:
By HARRISON HAAS
Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Authorities are working to pinpoint the cause of a three-alarm fire that severely damaged a house overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee which was under construction.

Fire crews and equipment from nine area departments battled the blaze at the post-and-beam structure at 119 Belknap Point Road Saturday evening.

As of Monday the cause of the fire had not been determined.

Crews acted quickly and were able to put the fire out before it was able to spread. Captain Michael Balcom said Monday that the department handled the situation with only one engine.

The home which was valued at $1 million, according to officials.

Call Firefighter Marty Barrett arrived on scene and reported that the building was well-involved in fire, which activated the first alarm. A second alarm was requested after the Gilford's Engine 2 arrived on scene at 6:10 p.m., reporting heavy fire. The request for a third alarm came 20 minutes later as crews began drafting water from Lake Winnipesaukee nearly 800 feet away and there was need for addition water supply and manpower needs. Deputy Chief Stephen Carrier said the Gilford fire boat was activated to help supplement the water supply.

The fire was officially placed under control at 7:09 p.m., but some fire crews remained on the scene until just before 10 p.m.

"With the amount of fire showing upon my arrival, I'm impressed by how quickly we were able to control the fire," said Chief John Beland, who was impressed by the effort of the firefighters on scene.

In the pre-dawn hours Sunday firefighters had to return when some of the fire debris rekindled.

According to fire officials, the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire since the residence was currently under construction. Carrier said the three-story post and beam, open concept construction contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The second and third floors sustained severe fire damage while the garage and basement area suffered water damage.

No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Gilford Fire Rescue, Gilford Police Department, Lakes Region Mutual Aid and the NH State Fire Marshal's Office. The cause remains undetermined at this time.

Gilford Fire Rescue units were assisted at the scene by companies from Laconia, Meredith, Belmont, Tilton-Northfield, Alton, Center Harbor, Holderness, Franklin, and New Hampton, while engines from Sanbornton and Gilmanton and an ambulance from Belmont covered the Gilford Station.