SUNAPEE — A structure fire on Route 103 fully engulfed a building Monday morning, prompting a multi-department response.
The Sunapee Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at 11:01 a.m. after reports of a first alarm structure fire at 638 Route 103.
Mutual aid was provided by fire departments from Newport, New London, and Goshen.
While en route, Sunapee Chief John Galloway observed a large plume of black smoke and upgraded the response to a second alarm at 11:09 a.m.
Firefighters faced challenges accessing the property due to an unplowed driveway and difficult terrain.
Sunapee Engine 2 and Utility 2, equipped with a snow plow, arrived at 11:15 a.m.
Utility 2 cleared the driveway to allow other apparatus to approach the scene.
The driveway’s condition and length prevented larger fire trucks from reaching the building.
Firefighters used Sunapee Utility 1, a forestry vehicle, to combat the blaze and shuttle water from tankers staged on Route 103.
The building, measuring approximately 20 by 30 feet, was fully involved and had collapsed by the time crews arrived.
At 11:16 a.m., Chief Galloway downgraded the response to a first alarm due to the building’s total loss.
The fire was declared under control at 11:53 a.m., and crews remained on scene until 2:09 p.m. to extinguish hot spots.
No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced residents.
Sunapee Fire was assisted by Sunapee Police, Sunapee Highway, New London Hospital EMS, and Newbury Fire.
The New London Fire Department provided station coverage and responded to a medical call in Sunapee during the incident.
