Fire routs Saturday diners at Merrimack’s Homestead restaurant
MERRIMACK – Firefighters working from the roof and inside the building succeeded in quelling a chimney fire that forced employees and lunchtime diners to evacuate The Homestead Restaurant and Tavern on Saturday.
Crews were called to the restaurant, at 641 Daniel Webster Highway, around noon, and upon arrival reported an active chimney fire. They began setting up aerial and ground ladders, while other firefighters went inside to access the fire from the fireplace, according to reports from the scene.
Together, the crews were able to quell the flames, and allay concerns about the fire extending into the historic structure itself, which was built in 1790 as part of the original Smith farm.
Fire Chief Michael Currier said the blaze was extinguished promptly enough to allow the employees and diners to reenter the restaurant and tavern a short time later.
No injuries were reported.
Members of the McDonough family opened the Homestead in the former Silo’s Steakhouse in 2010. It is in the Reeds Ferry section of town just north of the Bedford Road intersection.
Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 594-1256, dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com or Telegraph_DeanS.