Woman escapes late-night fire in Portsmouth home

PORTSMOUTH

An elderly woman escaped harm after her home burned Monday night on Grand Street.

The fire was reported shortly after 11:30 p.m. and was under control about an hour later, said Capt. Paul Hoyle, Portsmouth Fire Department spokesman.

When firefighters arrived, they were met by the woman who told them she had two dogs still inside the home, Hoyle said. Firefighters rescued the dogs and began fighting the flames inside the home.

The flames spread quickly and firefighters had problems finding the source because of items in the home, Hoyle said. Worried that the roof could collapse on them, firefighters got out of the house and continued fighting the flames from outside.

The house was destroyed.

The blaze does not appear to be suspicious, but the cause is under investigation, Hoyle said.

The woman and her pets were staying with family, he said.