Charcoal grill blamed for fire that destroys home. Here's how community can help the family

MILTON —  A four-alarm fire early Wednesday morning destroyed a home at 50 Northeast Pond Road, bringing fire departments from across the region.

The fire originated in a charcoal grill on a rear deck that was used Tuesday night, according to Milton Fire-Rescue.

All the people in the home were safe, but multiple cats are believed to have died in the fire. There were six occupants and a dog that evacuated prior to the fire department's arrival. One firefighter was treated and released on scene for exhaustion.

The blaze was reported around 3:10 a.m. Wednesday as a first alarm fire. When crews arrived five minutes later, they found a two-story main house engulfed in flames, with fire spreading into the attached two-story addition and garage underneath, according to the fire department.

Dover fire: Chief says 'a few things didn't add up' as blaze destroys garage, home is saved

It was quickly elevated to a second, third, then four-alarm fire, based on the extent of the fire and size of the building, Fire Chief Nick Marique said in a statement. Special calls for additional tankers were also requested due to water supply complications.

The fire was finally extinguished by 6:13 a.m. Wednesday. An excavator from Milton Department of Public Works was brought in to help tear down parts of the main house to extinguish lingering hot spots. All fire units were clear of the scene around 10:40 a.m.

In Rochester: Dennis Dube, city's new fire chief, explains why he's coming out of retirement

The four-alarm fire requested assistance from multiple neighboring towns and cities in New Hampshire and Maine. Milton Fire-Rescue was assisted on scene by the following fire departments: Rochester, Wakefield, Farmington, Middleton, Somersworth, Wolfeboro, Ossipee Corner, Center Ossipee, New Durham, Alton, Barrington, Effingham, Dover, Lebanon, Maine, Berwick, Maine, and Acton, Maine. Rollinsford Fire and Action Ambulance provided station coverage for Milton during the incident.

Help for the family

The community is showing support for the family whose home was destroyed.

Donations are being accepted on an online fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/please-help-this-family-through-their-tragic-loss.

In addition, two local farms are helping.

McKenzie’s Farm plans to turn its upcoming Hobbs Beer Tasting event into a benefit for the family. The farm will be donating 100% of all proceeds from Hobbs beer sold in addition to half of all sales on Saturday at both McKenzie’s Farm locations.

Ari’s Famous NH Corn in Milton is donating 25% of profits this holiday weekend to the family to help them recover from this “devastating loss of their home.” Eli Autry, owner of Ari’s Famous NH Corn, said the business has been a part of the community for 30 years, and neighbors help neighbors.

In Dover: Here are 10 new eateries, coffee shops, stores and more opening soon

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Charcoal grill blamed for four-alarm that destroys home in Milton NH