Portsmouth, Newport, Tiverton, Bristol, Providence crews respond to blaze that destroyed home

Several local fire departments combined to battle and extinguish a blaze that destroyed a home.

According to their firefighter union, on Tuesday, just after 7:45 p.m., the Portsmouth Fire Department received numerous 911 calls reporting a building fire on East Terrace.

Engine 3, Ladder 1 and Car 3 responded with 7 personnel total. Rescue 3 and the EMS intercept unit were on another medical call at the time of the alarm.

On arrival in the area, units could see smoke throughout the neighborhood, but no fire was located on East Terrace. Engine 3 found the fully involved 3-story home at Sea Spray Drive off of Vanderbilt Lane. The home was under construction, the fire had extended to two exposure homes, causing moderate damage to the exterior of both houses.

A second alarm was transmitted and units from Tiverton (E3, C3), Newport (E1, L1), Newport Navy (E71), Bristol L1, C2), Providence Canteen (FF. Rehab) and Portsmouth Water and Fire District (water supply) to respond to the scene and cover Portsmouth while units were tied up as several calls were being received of additional fires in the area. This also brought in Portsmouth Car 1 (Chief), Car 2 (Assistant Chief) and Car 6 (fire Marshal) along with off-duty personnel to staff reserve equipment to respond to additional emergency calls in town.

No injuries were sustained, and companies had the fire under control within one hour as the structure fully collapsed.

The State Fire Marshal, Portsmouth Fire Marshal and Portsmouth Police are investigating the cause of the blaze.