RINDGE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) — A Rindge home was heavily damaged by fire early Saturday morning, with firefighters forced to battle the blaze from outside the building because of the intensity of the flames.

The Rindge Fire Department received multiple 911 calls shortly after 1:25 a.m. Sept. 12 reporting a house fire on Monadnock View Road. Fire Chief Bob Faas arrived at 34 Monadnock View Road at about 1:35 a.m. and found heavy smoke and flames coming from all four sides of the residence.

All occupants had escaped safely before firefighters arrived. The homeowner was evaluated at the scene by Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance and was released.

Because of the extent of the fire, firefighters did not enter the home and instead operated in a defensive exterior position. Crews initially faced challenges establishing a dependable water supply, prompting the department to request three additional tankers beyond the first-alarm assignment.

A water source was established on Route 119, allowing tankers to shuttle water to the scene while firefighters continued working to extinguish the fire.

Eversource responded to secure the home’s utilities. The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting the Rindge Fire Department in determining the cause of the fire.

The residence is believed to be a total loss.

Eight Rindge firefighters responded, along with crews from Jaffrey, Winchendon and Ashburnham, Massachusetts, Fitzwilliam, Troy, Ashby, Richmond, New Ipswich, Keene and Temple. Ashby firefighters provided coverage at the Rindge station while local crews were committed to the fire.