FRANKLIN - A basement fire that had been put out by firefighters early Thursday reignited and destroyed the building later in the day, according to fire department officials.

Fire was first reported at 308 Salisbury Road shortly after 9 a.m., according to Master Firefighter Greg Stetson. The fire was declared under control and firefighters had left the scene, but another fire at the house was reported at around 4 p.m.

Firefighters found the building fully involved in flames when they arrived, and called for a second alarm, bringing fire crews from the city, Tilton-Northfield, Salisbury, Belmont, Boscawen, Sanbornton, Gilford, Laconia and Penacook.

A total of 55 firefighters fought the flames, Stetson said.

"Due to the large volume of fire and the structural instability of the home, the fire was fought from the outside and took several hours to extinguish," Stetson said in a press release.

No one was inside the home when crews arrived and no one was injured. The cause and area of origin are still under investigation. Franklin police and the state Fire Marshal's Office will assist with the investigation.

dseufert@newstote.com