Fire destroyed a well-known garage in Hampden overnight. Firefighters first got the call to Bouchard & Son's Towing on the Emerson Mills Road off the Old Emerson Mill Road at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. Flames coming from the property, which straddles the Hampden/Hermon line, could be seen from both the interstate and nearby Dysart's Restaurant.

Hampden Deputy Fire Chief Jason Lundstrom said when they arrived, the fire had fully engulfed the garage area of the business.

Photo credit: Acting Lieutenant -Matt Thomas, Hampden
Photo credit: Acting Lieutenant -Matt Thomas, Hampden
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Lundstrom said aside from the freezing temps and the potentially explosive materials inside, one of the biggest challenges to fighting the fire was a lack of water. Lundstrom credits the neighboring towns who provided mutual aid with helping significantly in the effort to put the fire out.

Photo credit: Acting Lieutenant -Matt Thomas, Hampden Fire Department
Photo credit: Acting Lieutenant -Matt Thomas, Hampden Fire Department
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Lundstrom said the other building on the property was not affected, and neither were the vehicles in the gated off lot nearby. The State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of Tuesday's blaze. Lundstrom says despite the major challenges and dangers the fire posed, no one was injured in the effort to extinguish it, and he is hopeful the Bouchards will be able to salvage something from what's left.

Owner, Wayne Bouchard has been active in the community for years. Most recently, he helped collected Christmas gifts for kids in need through the Towing For Tots fundraiser.

Photo credit: Acting Lieutenant -Matt Thomas, Hampden
Photo credit: Acting Lieutenant -Matt Thomas, Hampden
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