Battalion Chief Jack Webb said crews were able to simultaneously conduct searches and attack the fire and all residents and pets were accounted for. Webb said four families, totaling 11 people, lived in the structure.
Webb said the Red Cross assisted one family and the remaining three families were able to find lodging with family or friends.
He had no monetary damage estimate early this morning, but said 25 percent of the building had fire damage and another 50 percent suffered smoke and water damage.
The fire was declared under control just before 12:30 this morning. The age and construction of the building required extensive searches for hidden spot fires.
The Derry Fire Department was assisted at the fire scene by crews from Auburn, Chester, Londonderry and Windham. Station coverage was provided by Hampstead, Hooksett, Manchester and Salem.
