Concord, NH – State Fire Marshal J. William Degnan announced today that the NH State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating two explosions which destroyed two homes with the past week. Both cases involved unlicensed fuel gas fitting work.

On March 14, 2011 an explosion destroyed a single family dwelling in Cornish. The two occupants narrowly escaped the blast without injury. The investigation into the incident has revealed that there was unlicensed gas fitting work that had been performed prior to the fire.

On March 20, 2011 another explosion ripped through a home in Barrington resulting in a total loss of the home and also resulted in burn injuries to one occupant. This explosion and ensuing fire was a direct result of unlicensed gas fitting work being performed in the home.

Fire Marshal Degnan reminds all citizens that fuel gas fitting is required by law to be performed by licensed fuel gas fitters. "The licensing program in New Hampshire is integrated with an extensive training requirement that ensures that those that handle gas piping and equipment are properly trained to do the work," Degnan said. "Fuel gas fitting is dangerous and must be left to licensed professionals."