KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A vehicle fire that spread to a nearby building prompted the temporary closure of a section of Route 101 in Keene on Thursday morning. The incident, which occurred near 700 Marlboro Road, led to a swift response from local emergency crews, who contained the blaze within minutes.

The Keene Police Department shut down Route 101 between Branch Road and Optical Avenue as firefighters and emergency personnel worked to extinguish the fire. The road was closed for approximately one hour before reopening. Drivers were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes during the closure.

According to a news release from the Keene Fire Department, the fire was reported just before 11:15 a.m. after multiple 911 calls alerted authorities to a vehicle fire that had extended to a nearby two-unit multifamily wood-frame building.

Initial responders arrived on the scene just after 11:20 a.m. and reported a working vehicle fire with involvement of the adjacent structure, the release said. The incident was quickly upgraded to a first alarm, prompting additional resources, including off-duty personnel, to assist.

Firefighters used a single handline to extinguish the fire, which was contained to the vehicle and the exterior of the building. A search of the building’s second floor confirmed that the fire had not spread to the interior. One individual was evaluated at the scene but no injuries were reported and no hospital transport was required.

The vehicle involved in the fire was declared a total loss, while damage to the building was estimated at less than $5,000. The building is owned by Elizabeth Ann Mathews. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Keene Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office.

The Keene Police Department assisted at the scene, and no mutual aid was required. A total of 14 Keene Fire Department personnel were assigned to the incident, which was declared under control just after 11:30 a.m.