Smoke billows out from the deck and cellar as firefighters from Gilford, Laconia, Belmont, Alton, and Meredith worked to extinguish a fire that broke out at 1180 Cherry Valley Road in Gilford Tuesday afternoon. (Citizen Photo/Daryl Carlson)

Blaze hits home; Passer-by spots fire in Gilford

By ALEC O'MEARA

Staff Writer

GILFORD — A fire that started outside of the building gutted the first floor of an unoccupied residence on Cherry Valley Road Tuesday afternoon.

The fire, which was spotted by a passing driver, originated in a garbage can underneath a rear deck, said Gilford Fire Chief Michael Mooney. The can had contained ashes from a wood stove that had not fully cooled.

The fire destroyed much of the first floor, basement, and deck area, but was knocked down before reaching the second floor.

The second floor received only smoke damage, said Mooney.

"They did a good job knocking this fire down quickly," said Mooney.

The home, located at 1180 Cherry Valley Road, was the home of Michael Martte. Martte has been taken in by friends, said Mooney.

Remarkably, a Christmas tree sitting on the rear deck remained untouched by the blaze. A stand-alone garage was also untouched by the fire.

Mooney estimated it took firefighters "twenty to thirty minutes" to knock down the fire upon arrival.

Fire departments in Laconia, Belmont, Alton and Meredith also responded to the call.