Nashua firefighters battle early morning apartment house blaze

Firefighters at the scene of an early morning fire on Ash Street in Nashua. (Jeffrey Hastings photo)

NASHUA - Nashua firefighters battled a blaze at a large multi-unit building occupied by an estimated 30 to 40 people early today.

The fire at 68 Ash St. was called in around 12:15 a.m. with first responders finding heavy fire shooting out of the second floor prompting a second alarm for mutual aid.

Firefighters were challenged with numerous power lines, and the close proximity of several buildings.

Many residents said they lost almost everything they owned in the fire.

Office of Emergency Management officials were on scene to assist with displaced residents, who sheltered in a Nashua Transit bus called to the scene.

Crews worked to limit the fire's spread and protect nearby buildings where the siding was melting due to the heat.

A third alarm was requested for additional resources.

After about an hour the fire was brought under control and crews worked to douse lingering hot spots.

Eversource and Liberty Utilities were called to the scene to shut off service to the building. One power line was down in the road, and removed by Eversource.

The fire is under investigation by the Nashua Fire Marshal's Office.

Preliminary reports indicated that no residents or firefighters were injured.