Plymouth, New Hampshire – A historic performance center in Plymouth, New Hampshire, was evacuated over the weekend as a fire threatened to engulf the venue. The fire, which originated from nearby businesses, prompted the evacuation of around 450 concert-goers from the Flying Monkey Performance Center on Main Street.
The blaze, which started at the former Peppercorn Natural Food Store and Downtown Pizza, led to a challenging firefighting operation for Plymouth Fire Rescue. Firefighters faced difficulties in containing the fire due to the close proximity of the buildings and the complex structures of the affected properties.
While the neighboring buildings were unoccupied at the time of the fire, one firefighter sustained a shoulder injury and was taken to Speare Memorial Hospital for treatment. Multiple fire departments from surrounding areas, including Ashland, Bristol, and Center Harbor, responded to the scene to support Plymouth Fire Rescue in battling the blaze.
Despite the fire causing only minor smoke damage to the Flying Monkey Performance Center, the venue will remain closed for a period to allow for cleanup and restoration. The staff at the Flying Monkey were praised for their swift response in evacuating guests and ensuring their safety during the incident.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Plymouth Fire-Rescue and the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office. Fire Chief Tom Morrison commended the fire companies involved for effectively containing the fire to the two buildings affected by the blaze.
The Flying Monkey Performance Center, a cherished cultural hub in Plymouth since its inception as the “New Plymouth Theater” in the 1920s, has played a significant role in the town’s history. The venue, restored by The Common Man family in 2010, remains an important landmark for the community and a focal point for entertainment and cultural events.