LITCHFIELD — A two-alarm fire swept through a 1 ½ story wood-frame house on 7 Century Lane early Tuesday morning, resulting in one fatality.
The blaze, which generated thick black smoke and visible flames, was reported at 8:03 a.m. by a single caller.
Litchfield Engine 2, 4, and Tanker 3 responded to the scene, with crews observing a large column of smoke en route, prompting a “working fire” assignment and the start of mutual aid procedures.
Upon arrival, Chief Nicoll of Litchfield C1 reported the basement and first floor fully engulfed and immediately requested a second alarm.
Two dogs were rescued from the property by Litchfield Police, who also received information from a neighbor that someone might still be inside the building.
Despite attempts by Litchfield fire companies to enter the building, the intensity of the flames forced them to switch to defensive operations.
It wasn’t until after the main body of the fire was extinguished that the tragic discovery of a deceased individual was made.
The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office has been called to investigate the cause of the fire with assistance from the Litchfield Fire and Police Departments.
The investigation remains active.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including fire companies from Hudson, Londonderry, Derry, Bedford, Manchester, Merrimack, and Windham.
A Nashua Engine and an Auburn Tanker provided station coverage during the incident, and a rehab unit from the SouthEastern NH Hazmat team supported firefighting efforts.
Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
