KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) An early morning fire tore through a vacant home on Dale Drive Friday, leaving the structure in ruins and causing damage to a neighboring property. Fire crews from Keene and several surrounding communities battled the blaze for more than three hours before bringing it fully under control.

The alarm came in at 4:41 a.m., alerting the Keene Fire Department to a house fire at 66 Dale Drive, according to a news release. Within minutes, firefighters were on scene, reporting heavy flames and immediate threats to nearby homes. Additional engines, ambulances, and command staff arrived shortly after, bringing the total response to 19 Keene firefighters and two mutual aid personnel.

With flames engulfing the wood-frame house and the structure showing signs of collapse, firefighters mounted an aggressive defensive attack, using exterior hoses and hydrants to contain the blaze. According to Deputy Fire Chief Gregory Seymour, no crews entered the building due to the rapidly deteriorating conditions.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Neighbors told officials the home, owned by Ethan Ferrando, was unoccupied at the time and undergoing renovations.

The fire also damaged an adjacent property and fencing, with combined losses estimated at $375,000. The burned house alone is valued at $325,000 and is considered a total loss.

Fire departments from Walpole, Brattleboro, Spofford, and Swanzey joined Keene crews in the response, along with personnel from Cheshire County Ambulance and utility crews from Eversource.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Keene Fire Marshal Richard Wood is asking anyone with information to reach out at fire-marshal@keenenh.gov.