Fire blamed on charcoal grill destroys home; several cats feared to have perished

The residence at 50 Northeast Pond Road was totally destroyed. (Milton Fire and Rescue photos)

MILTON - A four-alarm fire that destroyed a Northeast Pond Road home early Wednesday was likely caused by a charcoal grill used Tuesday night, according to Milton Fire officials.

The fire at 50 Northeast Pond Road, which was called in around 3:15 a.m., drew fire crews from surrounding towns and as far away as Ossipee and New Durham.

Six occupants at the dwelling and their dog all got out safely but several cats are feared dead.

"First-arriving crews were faced with heavy fire conditions, limited water supply and minimal manpower," according to a Milton Fire and Rescue statement.

When Milton firefighters first arrived at 50 Northeast Pond Road they encountered heavy fire and smoke pouring out of the residence.

The fire was extinguished by 6:15 a.m., but all that was left was rubble.

One firefighter had to be treated for heat exhaustion.

Responding fire departments also included Rochester, Wakefield, Farmington, Middleton, Somersworth, Wolfeboro, Ossipee Corner, Center Ossipee, New Durham, Alton, Barrington, Effingham, Dover, Lebanon, Maine, Berwick, Maine, and Acton, Maine.