Fire Caused by Keeping Combustibles Too Close to Woodstove

Merrimack fire officials say a building suffered "moderate" damage early Tuesday afternoon after a fire began due to combustible materials being left too close to a wood stove being used to heat the back room.

Merrimack Fire Department was called to Tables of Stone, 759 Daniel Webster Highway, at 1:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, for a reported structure fire.

Merrimack Engines 1 and 2, Ambulance 1, Chief Michael Currier, Assistant Chiefs Richard Pierson and Brian Borneman and Fire Marshal John Manuele responded.
The first crews to arrive found smoke showing from the rear of the building, a 3,600 square foot wooden shop and showroom for the granite countertop manufacturer. Tim Simkin, business owner, advised arriving personnel that everyone was out of the building, allowing suppression crews to get right to work. They forced entry at the rear of the building and attacked a fire, getting it under control by 2:15 p.m., when an extensive overhaul began.

According to a press release sent by Capt. Manuele, damage to the building was moderate, with fire damage to the rear wall and portions of the roof, as well as some interior items. There was heavy smoke damage throughout.

Crews ensured that all fire was extinguished and debris cleared from the area, before turning the building back over to Simkins around 3:30 p.m.

According to Manuele, the fire cause was determined to be accidental and was started by storing combustibles too close to a woodstove. The cost of the damage is still being determined.

During the fire call, mutual aid was sought from the Manchester Fire Department who responded to a medical call with Merrimack Ambulance 2 while all other Merrimack units were tied up at the scene.
 
For further information contact the Merrimack Fire Department, Office of the Fire Marshal at 424-3690.