On Monday, September 9, 2024, at 10:23 AM, Rochester Public Safety Dispatch began receiving multiple calls reporting a garage fire with an explosion at 168 Eagle Drive. The Rochester Fire Department was dispatched immediately. While responding, Car-2 identified a large column of smoke from Salmon Falls Road and requested a Box Alarm for the incident.

Car-2 was the first to arrive on the scene and found a single-bay attached garage fully engulfed in flames. The fire had already spread into the living space and throughout the roof of a double-wide mobile home. Two propane tanks were threatened at the rear of the structure, and an adjacent home was at risk, as the siding had begun to melt from the radiant heat. It was reported that all occupants had safely evacuated the building without injury.

Car-4, Engine-2, Engine-4, and Truck-6 responded as the initial units, with Car-3 and Car-1 also arriving on the scene. Car-4 assumed command of the incident. Engine-2 immediately deployed a hose line to attack the large fire in the garage. Engine-4 and Truck-6 entered the home with tools and an additional hose line to open the ceilings, extinguish the fire, and search for any remaining occupants. One member of Truck-6 broke off to deploy an exterior hose line to the rear of the structure to protect two 125-pound propane tanks.

With the assistance of Somersworth Fire, Dover Fire, and off-duty Rochester firefighters, the fire was brought under control at 10:58 AM. The fire was fully extinguished by 12:28 PM after an extensive overhaul. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported throughout the incident.

Rochester Police, Frisbie Paramedics, and the Somersworth and Dover Fire Departments assisted at the scene as part of the Box Alarm assignment. Farmington and Milton Fire Departments provided additional personnel, while Berwick Fire and off-duty Rochester firefighters covered the stations during the incident.

The garage was a total loss, and the home sustained extensive fire, smoke, heat, and water damage, leaving it possibly unsalvageable. Two vehicles were also total losses: one was destroyed inside the garage, while the other, parked in front of the garage, sustained major fire damage to the front end and engine. All residents have been displaced while the building is assessed.

Following an investigation by the Rochester Fire Department, the fire’s point of origin was determined to be in the rear of the garage near the doorway and is believed to be accidental in nature.