Early Morning Fire in Hebron Claims One Life

New Hampshire State Fire Marshal J. William Degnan, Hebron Police Chief William White, and Hebron Fire Chief John Fisher, announce that a fire has claimed a life in the Town of Hebron. The fire was reported by a passer by at approximately 12:42 a.m. The fire was located in a single-family dwelling at 12 Merrill Rd. in Hebron.

An autopsy was conducted this morning by the New Hampshire Medical Examiner's Office. Autopsy results indicate that the individual died of smoke inhalation. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of family.

The investigation into the exact cause of the fire is ongoing. Preliminary findings put the origin of the fire in the area of the living room porch near an air conditioning window unit. The resident had a large amount of storage in the home and investigators are trying to determine if the exact cause of the fire is related to the air conditioner, combustible storage, or electrical. It is believed that the cause is accidental. It is unknown if smoke detectors were in the home at the time of the fire, but fire investigators did not locate any in the fire debris.

The State Fire Marshal reports that 74% of reported home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Smoke detectors should be installed on each floor of your home near the sleeping areas and batteries should be checked frequently to increase your likelihood of surviving a fire in your home. Newly constructed homes and rental units are required to have hard-wired smoke detectors.

Any further inquiries can be directed to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Investigator Stacey Dubois at (603) 223-4289.