WHITEFIELD – A Rockland Road home was heavily damaged by fire Wednesday night and its lone occupant escaped the burning building with minor burns and smoke inhalation.

Firefighters from six area departments fought flames, cold, and high winds in extinguishing the blaze at 90 Rockland Road.

The home was rented by Nick Teele, who was the only person home at the time of the fire and made it out on his own, according to Whitefield Fire Chief Tim Pellerin. He was evaluated on the scene for superficial burns and minor smoke inhalation, but was not taken to the hospital.

A unidentified man at the scene, not a firefighter, slipped on ice from tankers at the fire and hit his head, and was taken to the hospital.

Pellerin said the first fire truck was on the scene just seven minutes after the fire was reported at 8:19 p.m. Wednesday.

Heavy fire was coming out of the back corner of the two-story, gambrel-style residence when firefighters arrived.

Pellerin said the fire appeared to have started in the living room or kitchen area, on the first floor, where damage was heaviest.

The home sustained roughly $75,000 in damage but appeared able to be salvaged, Pellerin said.

Teele was able to retrieve some clothing and belongings from the second floor, and is staying with family.

“Everybody worked well together; it was a good save,” Pellerin said. “That truly shows how mutual aid and training pay off. Even with adverse weather conditions, the crews did a good job.”

A State Fire Marshal responded to the fire scene Friday to try to determine the cause of the fire.