Loudon, NH – A three-alarm fire completely leveled a century-old barn and farmhouse on the evening of May 10 in Loudon. The homeowner called 911 to report that his “wood shed” was on fire and attached to his farmhouse.

Concord Fire Alarm dispatched the Loudon Fire Department along with numerous mutual aid towns automatically at 7:39 p.m. The Currier Road farmhouse, located in a rural section of town, was built in 1820. The property, which included a barn and other outbuildings, overlooks miles of scenic, rolling hills. It once operated as a working farm during World War II.

Billows of black smoke could be seen for miles as Loudon Fire Chief Tom Blanchette quickly called for a second alarm while en route. Loudon Engine 2 arrived at 7:48 p.m. and reported heavy fire throughout the structure. The chief then requested a third alarm at 7:51 p.m.

The approximately 60'x40' wood shed was attached to a large two-and-a-half-story farmhouse and was fully involved. Heavy fire was rapidly spreading to the main house as firefighters made an interior attempt to prevent the fire from extending further. Chief Blanchette quickly ordered firefighters to withdraw due to the heavy volume of fire and lack of water. A tanker shuttle and porta-tanks were set up, and water was established from a nearby cistern and fire pond.

Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries at the scene. Fire crews remained on site throughout the night extinguishing hotspots. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.