Firefighters from Portsmouth and several nearby communities responded to the fire around 11 p.m.

When they arrived, the fire had already engulfed three houses and was being fueled by the homes’ propane tanks.

Portsmouth Fire Assistant Chief Howard Tighe said it was the biggest fire he had seen in his 20 years in the area.

Fire officials say no one was in the homes, and no injuries were reported.

The fire is being investigated by the state Fire Marshal’s office.