NH State Fire Marshal's Office

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween!
Here are some tips to stay fire safe this holiday.

- Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
- Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
- Use battery-operated candles or glowsticks in jack-o lanterns.
- Only use lights and decorations labeled for outdoor use.
- Inspect all wires and cords for damage before use.
- Avoid overloading circuits and power strips.
- Keep connecting cords dry and elevated.
- Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.
- Choose flame‑resistant costumes and avoid long trailing fabric that can catch fire.
- Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting.

10/30/2026

The 2026 Fire Prevention Week theme was “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focusing on lithium‑ion battery charging safety.

NH State Fire Marshal's Office joined numerous outreach events all over the state, educating Granite Staters on lithium fire risk and how to charge safely! We met at local fire stations, elementary schools, hospitals and more.

Thank you, New Hampshire, for welcoming our team and working to stay safe when it comes to charging and fire prevention!

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Sparky The Fire Dog

10/29/2026

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as well as local fire departments have seen an increase in incidents regarding rechargeable micromobility products.

Here are some additional tips for keeping yourself and others safe with these devices.

- Check for your products recalls or important announcements on the CPSC.gov website.
- Only use supplied or certified chargers, and approved battery replacement packs.
- Unplug when fully charged.
- Do not charge while sleeping in case of fire.
- Charge large devices like electric bikes, scooters and power tools outside.
- Keep exits, stairwells, and hallways clear of devices, so they do not block escape routes.
- Properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries, never put them in the trash.
- Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries require special attention, visit BatteryNetwork.org for more information.

10/28/2026

To those who arrive first at the scene of an emergency, thank you for your unwavering dedication, courage, and service. Today and every day, we honor you.

10/26/2026

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using lithium-ion batteries for Rad Power Bikes e-bikes, model numbers RP-1304, RAD-S1304Y, and HL-RP-S1304, because the batteries pose a risk of serious injury and death.

Learn more about this and other recalls here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Warnings/2026/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Using-Batteries-for-E-Bikes-from-Rad-Power-Bikes-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death

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10/23/2026

With the weather getting chilly and the need to get warm and cozy increasing, follow these helpful tips to keep you and your family safe from fires this season.

- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters and candles.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
- Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Plug space heaters into wall outlets. Do not use extension cords or power strips because they can overheat and cause a fire.
- Place space heaters on a flat, sturdy surface like a floor and use one that has an automatic shut-off safety feature.
- Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a licensed professional.
- Make sure fuel-burning equipment is properly vented to the outside.
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood in wood stoves and dry, seasoned wood pellets in pellet stoves.
- Use working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home.

10/22/2026

This year's Fire Prevention Week theme is Charge into Fire Safety!

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted a joint fire drill/exercise at the Moultonborough Transfer Station on October 7th, 2026.

The exercise involved three simulated incidents in which lithium-ion batteries ignite in different places within the facility. The goal of the exercise was to give facility operators and emergency responders practice in responding to fires at the transfer station and to bring awareness about the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries.

Since July 2025, when HB 1386 went into effect, throwing lithium-ion batteries in household trash is illegal in New Hampshire.

Now, any lithium-ion-powered devices — cellphones, laptops, cameras, toothbrushes, electronic vaporizer devices and many others — must be recycled safely. Please contact your local transfer station or learn more about proper disposal of these devices and batteries online.

Thank you to the Members of the NH State Fire Marshal's Office , Town of Moultonborough, NH Department of Environmental Services , Recycled Materials Association and Primex for conducting this event!

10/19/2026

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office is an active member of the Northeast CO Alliance. Join us at the upcoming two-day summit expanding on carbon monoxide safety across the region now including a full-day focused on risk reduction, construction fire safety, and the latest on lithium-ion batteries.

Whether you're in fire & emergency services, public health, policy, or advocacy, or simply passionate about safety, this is a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate.

Event Details:
Thursday-Friday, November 5th-6th, 2026
8:30AM – 3:00PM
Edward Cross Training Complex (New Hampshire National Guard Facility)

Day One - Fire Prevention and Risk Reduction
Themes: Construction Fire Safety, Community Risk Reduction, Lithium-ion Batteries
Special guest speakers include:
- National Fire Protection Association
- Connecticut State Fire Marshal
- New Hampshire Forest Protection Bureau
- American Wood Council
- International Code Council
- New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
- Moultonborough Transfer Station
- New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office

Day Two - 11th Annual Carbon Monoxide Safety Summit
Themes: Codes, Consumer Product Safety, Industry
Special guest speakers include:
- Carbon Monoxide Survivor
- Capital Area Mutual Aid Fire Compact
- National Fire Protection Association
- New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office
- International Code Council
- Crown Chimney
- Respiro-USA
- Panel of Regional State Fire Marshals

Reserve your spot today! Registration Link: https://www.necarbonmonoxidealliance.com/event-details/11th-annual-co-safety-risk-reduction-summit

10/18/2026

Update - Monday, 10/19:
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed the identity of the deceased victim as Michael Bussiere, 63, of Bow. Bussiere’s cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation, and the manner of death was ruled accidental. The surviving victim, an adult female, remains hospitalized and is stable. The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is ongoing.

NEWS RELEASE: 1 PERSON DECEASED, 1 SERIOUSLY HURT AFTER HOUSE FIRE IN STARK

STARK, N.H. – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey and Stark Fire Chief Colin Wentworth announce that one person is deceased, and another is hospitalized following a house fire.

Just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, an adult female resident of 37 Montgomery Road in Stark reported a fire at the home to a neighbor, who called 911. Dispatchers learned that one person was still inside the home, as flames were spreading. A neighbor attempted to enter the burning home to rescue the remaining occupant, an adult male, but was unable to do so due to the growing fire. When firefighters arrived a few minutes later, the house was fully involved, with flames coming out of the doors and windows. Firefighters later reported they were unable to immediately enter the home due to the worsening conditions.

Additional firefighters from Milan and Groveton responded to assist. Station coverage was provided by members of the Lancaster and Berlin fire departments.

After the fire was ultimately brought under control around 4:30 a.m., the adult male and two dogs were found deceased in the home. The surviving victim was airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The identity of the deceased victim is being withheld pending an autopsy scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office responded to the scene and assumed the lead of the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. At this time, the fire is not considered suspicious, and investigators believe a wood stove inside the home was a primary factor. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact investigators at (603) 223-4289 or [email protected].

State Fire Marshal Toomey reminds all Granite Staters of the importance of proper maintenance and annual cleanings of wood-burning appliances and chimneys. Keep combustible materials at least three to five feet away from any heating appliance, always properly dispose of wood stove ash, and ensure pathways inside and outside the home are maintained and clear.

No further information is available at this time.

10/14/2026

Fire Investigation for First Responders is an in-service training class that will be held on Monday, November 9, from 1PM to 3PM at the Laconia Fire Department, 848 North Main Street, Laconia, New Hampshire.

This class familiarizes students (fire, police and EMS) with the roles and responsibilities of first responders and how they relate to the basic principles of arson detection and the proper procedures for scene security, evidence preservation and documentation.

The class is free, open to fire, police or EMS personnel.

Please contact Deputy Fire Marshal Anthony Booth at [email protected] to RSVP.