A fire in Northfield on Friday displaced three residents and two dogs from a mobile home, the second emergency in town this week that officials say was likely caused by a wood stove.

An off-duty Franklin police officer noticed smoke coming out of the back of the home at 255 Cross Mills Rd. as he was driving by. He notified the residents, helped them evacuate and called for dispatch at 7:42 a.m., according to Tilton-Northfield Fire Chief Sean Valovanie.

A wood stove pipe is believed to have been the cause of a fire in a mobile home at 255 Cross Mill Rd. on Friday, Dec. 12. Credit: Tilton-Northfield Fire Department / Courtesy

The Tilton-Northfield and Franklin fire departments responded to the scene and found the blaze near the home’s wood stove pipe. Crews entered the mobile home with a hose and encountered heavy fire in the walls and ceiling, which spread quickly across the roof, upgrading it to a first alarm fire, Valovanie said.

Earlier this week, personnel responded to a similar fire at 30 Fellows Hill Rd. involving a garage.

“Solid fuel heat is a great resource for New Englanders,” Valovanie said. “However, wood and pellet stoves must be installed and maintained per manufacturers’ specifications and fire codes to prevent fires.”

Firefighters brought the flames under control after opening the roof with hooks and tools, Valovanie said. The home sustained heavy damage and is considered a total loss.

No injuries were reported and the American Red Cross is helping the three displaced individuals and their pets.

Mutual aid from Sanbornton, Laconia and Belmont was requested after crews called a first alarm. Concord, New Hampton and Gilmanton provided station coverage, filling in for responding departments in case of another call.

Emilia Wisniewski is a general assignment reporter that covers Franklin, Warner and Henniker. She is also the engagement editor. She can be reached at ewisniewski@cmonitor.com or (603) 369-3307
More by Emilia Wisniewski