14 evacuated in Jamaica fire

JAMAICA -- Fourteen people were rescued from an early morning blaze at Mo's Market along Route 30 in Jamaica.

According to Jamaica Fire Chief Dale West, more than 60 firefighters answering a call at about 3 a.m. Tuesday morning responded to a three-alarm fire and quickly attacked the flames.

One person was transported to Grace Cottage Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. One of the family's dogs and a kitten were rescued but another dog died as a result of the fire, West said.

Although the gas pumps at the convenience store hadn't been in use in five years or so, West said protecting the pumps was the primary focus after making sure the people and pets living in the upstairs residence were out safely.

Firefighters

were on still on scene more than seven hours after the fire making sure no additional flames sprouted from the debris.

While battling the fire that destroyed the store, residence and adjacent garage, Chief West said two water supplies were drained and several tankers had to fill up at the Townshend Dam.

Members of the Chesterfield, N.H., Dummerston, East Dover, Grafton, Guilford, Jamaica, Londonderry, NewBrook, North Derry, Prue, Wardsboro, Williamsville, Wilmington, Windham and Winhall all were called to the scene.

The source of the fire remains undetermined at this time but state fire investigators were on scene.

Donald Gould and Sons Excavating was called to the scene to help bring down the parts of the building that didn't

collapse during the fire, West said. Route 30 was closed in both lanes until 8:30 this morning when one lane was opened to traffic. Both lanes were reopened about two hours later.