Nashua firefighters respond to a one-alarm fire at 31 Bridge St. shortly before 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 7. Courtesy photo/Nashua Fire Rescue

NASHUA – Within the span of five hours on Sept. 7, Nashua Fire Rescue was called upon to respond to a fire and a car crash.

At approximately 8:22 a.m., a one-alarm fire broke out at the laundromat at 31 Bridge St.

While en route, firefighters could see smoke rising from the single-story building.

Upon arrival, crews used two hose lines to knock down the flames and prevented the fire from spreading to the neighboring wood frame apartment building. Horizontal and vertical ventilation was performed by firefighters from Ladder 1.

After searching the laundromat and apartment building, firefighters from Ladder 1 and Ladder 2 determined that everyone had gotten out safely. One firefighter sustained an injury to his hand and was treated at the scene.

At 12:44 p.m., firefighters as well as police and medical personnel responded to a report of an SUV that had crashed into the vacant building at 303 Main St. First responders were informed that the driver, Brenden Lathrop, 24, of Nashua, had allegedly driven into the building multiple times.

No injuries were reported.

The building, formerly occupied by Poor Pierre’s Restaurant, has been closed since at least 2019.

Lathrop was arrested at the scene and held on a $300 cash bail at the Hillsborough County House of Corrections. He was scheduled to be arraigned in Nashua District Court on Sept. 9.

Lathrop has been charged with reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief, unauthorized use of a propelled vehicle, driving or operating under the influence of drugs or liquor, operating without a valid license, reckless operation and transporting alcoholic beverages.

Under state law, if convicted, Lathrop could face up to 15 years in prison and up to $11,200 in fines.