Photo: Courtesy of Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid Facebook
PLYMOUTH, New Hampshire (WBZ NewsRadio) — Multiple buildings caught fire on Main Street in Plymouth on Saturday night, causing a nearby performance center to evacuate over 400 patrons, staff, and musicians.
The three-alarm fire was reported at 9:10 p.m., and first responders arrived at 41-45 Main Street and found heavy fire conditions in two commercial buildings, Peppercorn Natural Foods and Downtown Pizza.
In a press release posted on Facebook on Sunday, Plymouth Fire-Rescue said there were no occupants in those buildings after a primary search.
Next door, however, hundreds of people were gathered at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, located at 39 Main Street, for a concert by Foreigners Journey featuring special guest Constantine Maroulis.
The historic theater dates back to the 1920s.
The approximately 450 people in the building were safely evacuated, said Plymouth Fire-Rescue.
“We are thankful that everyone made it out safely, and grateful for the swift response from Plymouth Fire Department and crews from surrounding communities,” shared Vincent Vella, CEO of The Common Man Family, which owns the theater.
Photo: Courtesy of Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid Facebook
First responders explained that “containing the fire proved to be a challenge due to the proximity of the buildings, as well as the fact that one building had multiple ceilings, and roof structures that had to be accessed.”
The Flying Monkey later posted an update to Facebook, saying they “sustained only minor smoke damage,” but they had to cancel Sunday’s show “to perform necessary recovery efforts" over the next few days.
Plymouth Fire-Rescue reported that one Plymouth firefighter was treated at Speare Memorial Hospital for a shoulder injury and was later released.
No other reports of injuries were mentioned in the press release.
Plymouth Fire-Rescue thanked multiple other fire companies and groups for their help and support.
“The fire companies are to be commended for holding this fire to the two buildings involved. The Manager of the Flying Monkey is also to be commended for discovering the fire, activating the fire alarm system at that location and notifying 911,” said Chief Tom Morrison.
Plymouth Fire-Rescue and the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the cause of the fire.
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