PITTSFIELD, NH - Firefighters from nine area departments battled a three-alarm fire in downtown Pittsfield early Wednesday morning, April 13th.

The fire was dispatched at about 7:39 A.M., reporting as a building fire on Depot Street. The Pittsfield Chief arrived within seconds to find the two-story brick building with fire and smoke showing and requested a second-alarm.

Five people from three upstairs apartments escaped from the blaze, and two were taken by ambulance to the hospital. The Scenic Theatre next door suffered only exterior damage after its white-house siding, in close proximity to the burning apartment building, was knocked down by firefighters, leaving the siding peeling off the walls, but saving the historic theater that was built in 1914.

A third-alarm was requested by Chief Peter Pszonowsky, and firefighters made an aggressive attack knocking down the heavy fire from the first and second floors in the front of the building. Fire had extended and damaged most of the building. Concord's Tower opened up the roof for ventilation, accessing it from the rear of the building.

The State Fire Marshal's Office was called to the scene and is conducting the investigation. The Red Cross was also called in to assist the residents. Firefighters remained on scene well into the day for overhaul and hot spots.