BRADFORD — New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Bradford Fire & Rescue Chief Bryan Nowell, and Bradford Police Chief Ed Shaughnessy have announced that an adult male has died following a residential fire in Bradford, prompting a joint investigation into the incident.
Authorities were called to a home at 21 West Main Street at 12:43 p.m. today after reports of a person in crisis.
Police arriving at the scene found an armed man with a knife.
Efforts to de-escalate the situation by law enforcement officers from neighboring communities and state agencies were unsuccessful.
By 5:30 p.m., officers observed fire and smoke emanating from the residence, prompting a call to Bradford Fire & Rescue.
The fire’s intensity required additional support, with fire crews from multiple surrounding towns, including Bow, Hillsboro, and Hopkinton, responding to the scene.
After hours of battling the blaze, the fire was fully extinguished.
Investigators then discovered the body of the adult male inside the home.
The deceased will be transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to confirm his identity and determine the cause and manner of his death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information that could aid the inquiry is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
State Fire Marshal Toomey took the opportunity to remind the public of available mental health resources, advising that anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 9-8-8.
