Blaze Destroys Part of Century-Old Home

Fire officials say flames ripped through a home in southern New Hampshire estimated to be more than a century old and completely destroyed its rear.

The Portsmouth Herald reports the homeowner reported the fire in Exeter around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Assistant Chief Eric Wilking says everyone inside was able to escape the Oak Street home, which he believes to be between 100 and 150 years old.

In addition to gutting the rear of the house, the flames also caused mild "cosmetic" damage to the siding on several adjacent buildings.

Wilking says the front portion of the home may be saved although an extensive cleanup is necessary.

Fire officials were able to determine the general area of the blaze's origin but not its cause. An investigation is ongoing.