CAMPTON-THORNTON, NH - Members of the Campton-Thornton Fire Rescue responded to a reported building fire on Morrill Lane on June 6th, but emergency operations were complicated by inclement weather.

At around 9:00 p.m., dispatchers reported a kitchen fire. Responding crews had to reroute equipment due to heavy rain, strong gusts, lightning, and storm-related road closures. When firefighters arrived, they discovered a two-story, wood cabin with a significant fire. They asked for a second alarm and brought in more resources from other departments.

When Engine 1 personnel extended a handline inside the building, they came upon intense fire and extreme heat in the kitchen. While a second hoseline was utilized to put out flames on a covered porch, firefighters put out the main body of fire. After conducting a search, a Plymouth Fire-Rescue unit verified that every resident had left safely. No injuries were reported.

For around three hours, firefighters stayed on scene to check for fire extension and to put out hot spots. The house was declared uninhabitable due to severe water and smoke damage. Twelve more storm-related calls involving fallen trees and wires were handled by mutual aid departments while crews worked at the fire.

Fire Chief Daniel Defosses noted that the occupants attempted to use a fire extinguisher, but recognized the fire was beyond their ability to control and safely evacuated before calling 911. Officials said the incident serves as an important reminder that residents should leave immediately when a fire becomes unsafe to fight and allow firefighters to handle the emergency.