An electrical issue sparked a brush fire Tuesday, April 14, that burned about 1.5 acres and prompted a multi-alarm response, officials said.
The New Ipswich Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 3:13 p.m. to 182 Perry Road for a reported brush fire. Crews arrived about eight minutes later to find a large area of brush and grass burning, with flames threatening a nearby building. The incident was quickly upgraded to a first alarm.
As additional units arrived, the fire escalated to a second alarm at 3:31 p.m. to secure more resources for containment and exposure protection. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control after it burned approximately 1.5 acres.
An investigation determined the fire was caused by a tree coming into contact with power lines, creating an electrical ignition source.
One firefighter was treated on scene for heat exhaustion and later cleared.
Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including fire departments from Jaffrey, Greenville, Mason, Townsend and Ashby. Peterborough Fire and Rescue provided water supply support. New Ipswich police, Souhegan Valley Ambulance and Eversource also responded.
Fire crews remained on scene until about 6 p.m. while Eversource removed the tree and addressed the electrical hazard. Officials said the fire was fully extinguished before crews cleared the area.
Fire officials credited the quick containment to strong mutual aid cooperation and urged residents to use caution amid dry conditions to help prevent additional fires.
