Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS Firefighters douse remaining hot spots after bringing Saturday's early-morning fire on Kinsley Street under control. All residents evacuated safely, some using the building's fire escapes. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

NASHUA — A fast-moving fire that broke out shortly before 7 a.m. Saturday on the second-floor porch of a large apartment building that occupies the corner of Kinsley and Hanover streets forced numerous occupants to flee their homes, officials said.

A string of 911 calls came in within minutes from individuals reporting the blaze, and as the first-arriving crews on Engine 2 and Ladder 2 pulled up to the scene, the flames were in the process of making their way into the building, according to Nashua Fire Rescue Deputy Chief James Kirk.

A working fire was called minutes later, which brought an additional engine and ladder to the scene, the address of which is 78 Kinsley St.

After making sure all occupants had been evacuated, crews attacked the fire from ladders and from within the building. They succeeded in knocking down the flames in a short time, then worked for an additional 40 minutes to open walls, douse hot spots and make sure all fire was extinguished.

Kirk said all the occupants escaped without injury, some of whom utilized fire escapes attached to the building.

Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS Two people believed to be residents of the large apartment building at 78 Kinsley St. watch firefighters bring the blaze under control early Saturday morning. All residents were able to evacuate safely. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

The number of occupants wasn’t immediately known, but Kirk said several were displaced for the time being. A crew from the local American Red Cross chapter responded to assist them with temporary housing and other needs.

A representative of the city Fire Marshal’s office was called to the scene to conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire, Kirk said.

Kirk also issued a reminder to residents, especially those living in large, multi-story buildings, that because fires can start on the exterior of the building, it’s important that residents have an escape plan in place.

“If you (discover) that the fire has blocked your exit, retreat to an alternate exit,” Kirk said.

“Home escape plans should always include 2 exits. Sometimes these other exits will (involve) a fire escape or (climbing) out a window.

Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS Smoke pours from the first and second floors of an apartment building at 78 Kinsley St. as firefighters work from ladders and on the ground battling the fire, which broke out shortly before 7 a.m. Saturday. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

“Take time to discuss this with the occupants of your home and practice regularly,” Kirk added.

Telegraph contributor Jeffrey Hastings provided material for this report.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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