A statement from Professional Firefighters of Keene IAFF Local 3265 said the firefighters were cut off by fire while searching the second floor

By Paul Feely
The New Hampshire Union Leader

KEENE, N.H. — Three firefighters were injured Thursday battling a four-alarm blaze in a Keene home near the campus of Keene State College, officials said.

Keene firefighters responded to a residential structure fire at 20 Elliot St. around 8:30 a.m. Thursday. Reports and images on social media show heavy flames and thick smoke coming from the house.

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The Keene Fire Department said the fire was “substantially under control at this time” as of 10:50 a.m. Three firefighters were transported to Cheshire Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Crews were expected to remain on the scene “as lingering flames and similar risks require attention,” fire officials said in a news release. An investigation to determine the cause of the fire will be conducted.

“The mutual aid response of regional fire and EMS staff and apparatus is critical and appreciated both in responding to the scene of the fire and in providing coverage to the community at large,” Keene officials said. “The city is sincerely grateful to all responders.”

Students at Wheelock Elementary School, located on nearby Adams Street, were evacuated and transported to Keene Middle School, to be picked up after lunch, school officials said.

Keene Police said the entire area from the Route 101 intersection at Main Street to the Marlborough Street/Winchester Street Rotary was closed due to the fire.

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