Franklin Pierce University dorm hit by electrical fire

An electrical fire at Franklin Pierce University has forced some students into temporary housing.

According to a statement from Rindge Fire Department, at 6:05 p.m. on April 7, firefighters were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at 44 Sawmill Road, Lakeview Townhouse Building No. 1 at Franklin Pierce University. While en route, Rindge Police Department arrived on scene and located an electrical outlet in the basement of Unit 4 that was sparking and emitting smoke. An officer turned power off to the outlet.

Atter receiving the information, Rindge Fire Department requested mutual aid from Jaffrey Fire Department. An investigation that included a thermal imaging scan of the areas around the outlet that had been sparking. A significant heat condition was discovered within the wall, according to Rindge Fire, and the engine crew began to open the wall to investigate. Upon opening the wall, firefighters discovered a fire in the partition.

Crews worked to extinguish the fire and searched the adjoining residence areas to ensure the fire had not spread. 

Several residents of the dormitory were temporarily displaced and are being provided alternate student housing. The fire was deemed electrical in nature and is not considered suspicious. There were no civilian or first-responder injuries associated with the incident.

The Rindge Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Rindge Police Department, Franklin Pierce University Campus Safety and Franklin Pierce University Residential Life. Mutual aid fire departments on scene included the Jaffrey Fire Department, Fitzwilliam Fire Department, Troy Fire Department and the Winchendon and Ashby, Mass., fire departments. An engine company from the Richmond Fire Department covered the Rindge Fire Department, and an ambulance from Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance stood by at the scene.