Courtesy photo Heavy smoke begins to turn to steam as crews from several area fire departments assisted Hudson crews in bringing the 3-alarm blaze on Greeley Street in Hudson under control. (Courtesy photo)

HUDSON — Fire raced through a large, 2 1/2 story residence at 82 Greeley Street early Thursday afternoon, drawing firefighters from across the region to assist Hudson crews and causing some anxious moments when a “mayday” signal sounded by a firefighter who fell through a fire-weakened floor.

The firefighter, whose name hasn’t yet been released, was able to hang onto a hoseline until a crew located and rescued him from the building. He sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

According to witness reports from the scene, calls came in shortly after 1:30 p.m. reporting flames coming from the house. Deputy Chief James Paquette called for a second alarm upon his arrival four minutes later, as heavy flames began a rapid spread from the basement up through the roof.

It wasn’t long before command officers struck a third alarm, as the fire by then was in the process of engulfing the entire structure.

The conditions forced command to order all personnel out of the building and set up for a defensive attack, meaning fighting the fire from the outside of the building.

Courtesy photo Firefighters attempt to knock down the heavy flames coming from the Greeley Street house in Hudson Thursday afternoon. (Courtesy photo)

Crews manning numerous hand lines, a ladder pipe and water deck continued fighting the blaze, pouring thousands of gallons of water onto the structure.

Once the worst of the flames were knocked down, crews went back into the building, and it was then that the floor collapsed under the firefighter.

Once he was rescued, command again pulled everyone out of the building for safety purposes.

At that time, Manchester Truck 7 was requested to the scene for its tower ladder, which allowed crews to get at the hidden pockets of fire still burning in the building.

A second firefighter sustained minor injuries, and was also transported to the hospital for treatment.

Courtesy photo Firefighters arriving at 82 Greeley St. in Hudson Thursday afternoon were greeted with heavy fire rolling out of all three floors on one side of the duplex. (Courtesy photo)

Crews continued the overhaul process for some time after the fire was declared under control.

There was no immediate word on the occupants of the building, such as whether anyone was home when the fire broke out or if any occupants were injured.

The house is located just north of the intersection of Greeley and Highland streets.

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