Litchfield, NH - The Litchfield Fire Rescue responded at 7:08 p.m. to a reported brush fire at the end of Gibson Drive, where initial reports indicated fire activity deep within a wooded area.

Upon arrival, Engine 2 located an approximately 70’ x 70’ area of active burning roughly 500 feet off the roadway. Command was established by C1, who confirmed that the fire appeared to be the result of a lightning strike that had been smoldering underground for multiple days, extending into deep duff and root systems.

Due to the remote location, limited access, and difficult terrain, mutual aid was requested from the Londonderry Fire Department, including their off-road utility vehicle to assist with access and suppression efforts. Crews utilized OHRVs and hand tools to reach the seat of the fire and begin containment operations in dense woodland conditions.

On August 21 in Litchfield, New Hampshire, firefighters from Litchfield and Londonderry worked for approximately three hours to contain the fire overnight, focusing on perimeter control and extinguishing deep-seated hot spots within the forest floor.

Crews remained on scene conducting mop-up operations and planned follow-up checks to ensure no remaining heat signatures persisted. The fire was successfully held overnight, with full overhaul operations scheduled for the following morning.

The incident highlighted the challenges of lightning-caused deep ground fires and the importance of specialized off-road capability and coordinated mutual aid in remote environments.