PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire — A massive fire burned through a historic New Hampshire landmark Wednesday morning. Crews were called to the Portsmouth Gas Light Co. on Market Street in Portsmouth.
Investigators say the fire started in the restaurant on the first floor and burned all the way through the fourth floor roof.
As many as 75 firefighters worked to keep the flames from spreading to other buildings, but businesses did have some smoke and water damage.
One owner says she’s glad she got her people out, but the timing couldn’t be worse. “I just know I’ve got to reopen. I’ve got four babies counting on me. It’s three weeks before Christmas,” Corradina Arangio, Attrezzi Gourmet Shop, said.
The Portsmouth fire chief says the fire started in a wood fired grill in the restaurant on the first floor. The fire chief says the cost of damage will be at least a couple hundred thousand dollars.
The building dates back to 1880 and is worth more than $2 million.