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Advertisement Pipe thawing causes NH apartment building fire Landlord was using propane torch to thaw frozen pipes Share Shares Copy Link Copy

New Hampshire fire officials say a landlord using a propane torch to thaw frozen pipes started a fire that left five tenants homeless.Derry firefighters were called to the two-family Mt. Pleasant Street home after tenants called to say there was a fire in the walls of an apartment at the rear of the 100-year-old house.Fire officials say all five tenants and two dogs escaped without injury. Firefighters had to dismantle several walls to extinguish the blaze.Due to damage to pipes and the electrical system all utilities had to be shut off and the house was deemed uninhabitable.American Red Cross volunteers helped the tenants, who said they had nowhere to go.Fire officials did not immediately answer inquiries about the landlord's identity and whether he could face charges.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.New Hampshire fire officials say a landlord using a propane torch to thaw frozen pipes started a fire that left five tenants homeless.Derry firefighters were called to the two-family Pleasant Street home after tenants called to say there was a fire in the walls of an apartment at the rear of the 100-year-old house.Fire officials say all five tenants and two dogs escaped without injury. Firefighters had to dismantle several walls to extinguish the blaze.Due to damage to pipes and the electrical system all utilities had to be shut off and the house was deemed uninhabitable.American Red Cross volunteers helped the tenants, who said they had nowhere to go.Fire officials did not immediately answer inquiries about the landlord's identity and whether he could face charges.Since the piping and electrical system have been damaged, the two apartments cannot be lived in.American Red Cross is helping the five adults find temporary housing.