Staff reports 4:20 a.m.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 4:26 am
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NASHUA - Three City of Nashua firefighters were injured in a natural gas explosion on Monday that led to a building fire.
Around 2:15 p.m. members of the Nashua Fire Department responded to Greater Nashua Mental Health, at 440 Amherst Street, for a report of a ruptured natural gas line. The caller advised that they could smell an odor of gas and heard a hissing sound. Minutes after the initial crews arrived and began an on-scene investigation, an explosion occurred, injuring three firefighters and causing the commercial building to catch fire, according to a release from the state's Dept. of Safety.
As flames spread, mutual aid was requested from multiple surrounding communities for on-scene assistance and station coverage. Due to safety concerns with the gas leak, the City of Nashua also issued an emergency alert to wireless phones and urged residents and visitors in the vicinity to refrain from using burners or other flames.
The firefighters who were hurt were transported to an area hospital with injuries determined to be non-life-threatening, while additional firefighters responded to the scene and evacuated about 40 people from the building.
Multiple nearby roads were also closed while first responders secured the scene. Utility crews were ultimately able to shut off the damaged gas line, and the fire was determined to be under control by 6 p.m. The building was completely destroyed by the fire.
Investigators with the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office have responded to the scene and assumed lead of the investigation into the gas explosion and resulting fire. At this time, investigators believe everyone who was inside the facility at the time of the blast has been accounted for and is safe. There is no ongoing threat to public safety in connection with this incident.
While all aspects of the incident remain under investigation, investigators are looking into whether the gas line was damaged by falling ice.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office at (603) 223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.