Photo by LORETTA JACKSON Len Newell, owner of Quality Pre-Loved Furniture & More, in Merrimack, displays some of the debris from a demolished residence next door that blocked the view of his store on Daniel Webster Highway but became a structure put to good use by his donation of it to Merrimack Fire and Rescue personnel who conducted training drills over two weeks before the old structure was demolished by pros from RWC Enterprises, of Nashua.

The donation of an old home to Merrimack Fire and Rescue preceded the recent demolition of the structure, a house deemed an eyesore by patrons and staff of a next-door business.

The demo at 623 Daniel Webster Highway, took place alongside Quality Pre-Loved Furniture & More, 625 Daniel Webster Highway. It was completed as of Feb. 20.

Merrimack Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Matthew Duke, a veteran of 23 years in the fire service, said the old farmhouse, built in 1898, provided valuable training that was realistic and often difficult to obtain.

The firefighters practiced bailouts, escapes from higher floors when fire is advancing. They investigated staircases and recesses and closets where victims in real-life fire situations take refuge.

“It is relatively rare that we receive permission to conduct training in a building slated for demolition,” Duke said. “The owner was very generous and allowed us to use the house for several weeks.”

Duke confirmed that the firefighter rescue bailouts were important drills. The critical tactics can save lives if personnel are endangered, he noted.

“All of the shifts were able to use the house for multiple training scenarios,” Duke added. “They included roof ventilation, search and rescue, and simulated fire attack.”

Len Newell, owner of Quality Pre-Loved Furniture & More, said that the old house obstructed the view of his store and was not an attractive sight. A sensation akin to “tunnel vision,” a view as if looking down a long corridor, was experienced when he viewed his store from the highway.

It was the growth of the store in the past few years that motivated Newell’s purchase of the property next door. Future expansion and eliminating the blocked view were goals, he explained.

Quality Pre-Loved Furniture & More offers like-new furniture, lighting and home decor displayed in five showrooms, Newell added. Two levels are stocked with bargains for locals and many other patrons from out of state.

Newell added that the new, open view from the street is an “amazing” improvement. Store Manager Beth Merola concurred. She said the resale store was a “best kept secret” because drivers nearly passed by before realizing there was a driveway and a store set back from the highway.

“Since I took over managing and rebranding the shop, it’s gratifying to see the many exciting changes,” said Merola. “The demolition of the old house at 623 was a very positive move.”

The house was demolished by RWC Enterprises, of Nashua. Company owner Bob Champagne manned a massive excavator, His son, Mike Champagne, operated another. Demo pros Chris Houle and Brian Howe, both of Nashua, supervised disposal of the wreckage.

Patriarch Champagne has specialized for 27 years in commercial and residential demolition, paving, excavating and septic services.

“We strive for safety and customer satisfaction,” Champagne said. “The demos are fun, as we get to destroy stuff, safely.”

Information on Quality Pre-Loved Furniture & More, 625 Daniel Webster Highway, can be had by calling 732-7200 or online: qpl-furniture.com.