MANCHESTER, NH - A Still Alarm dispatched Engine 11, Truck 1 and a Battalion Chief for a fire alarm activation at 1061 Elm Street early Monday afternoon, July 18th.

First due companies discovered a heavy smoke condition with a sprinkler activation inside the Caesario's restaurant, which is located on the first floor and was closed at the time of the fire. A full box response was transmitted at 1:14 P.M., bringing a total of four engines, two trucks, a heavy rescue, ALS ambulance and RIT engines to the scene.

The large four-story brick building located downtown also houses several apartments above the restaurant. It took a while for firefighters to find the source of the stubborn fire because of its location inside the rear of the restaurant. Firefighters had to evacuate several people from the apartments above and some adjacent businesses.

As smoke continued to fill the restaurant, Battalion Chief Beaudet transmitted a second-alarm at 1:44 P.M. to have the extra companies check for possible fire extension and assist with evacuations and ventilation.

"The biggest challenge for firefighters was dealing with zero visibility from the smoke," Chief Beaudet said.

The fire was brought under control at 2:01 P.M. as Elm Street remained closed for about an hour between Mechanic and Lowell Streets due to hose lines and apparatus. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time, but does not appear to be suspicious. The Manchester health department was called to the scene, and no injuries were reported.