Fire investigators probe Meredith fire that left one resident dead

MEREDITH - The state Fire Marshal's Office is investigating a fire that claimed the life of a Meredith resident on Monday.

Fire crews responded around 4 p.m. to 203 Pease Road safter receiving reports that there were two people trapped inside the home. When first units arrived, they found significant fire and smoke coming from the second story of a single-family home. according to a Dept. of Safety release sent out on Monday.

Once firefighters made entry and extinguishing efforts were under way, they located an individual who was determined to be deceased. Two other residents were in the home at the time of the fire and were able to evacuate safely, fire officials said.

Positive identification of the victim, as well as the cause and manner of their death, is pending an autopsy that will take place today in Concord.

The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is active and ongoing by members of the NH State Fire Marshal's Office, Meredith Fire Department and the Meredith Police Department. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the NH State Fire Marshal's Office at (603) 223-4289 or by email at fmo@dos.nh.gov.

The State Fire Marshal's Office took the opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes. In the event of an alarm activation or visible smoke or fire, residents should immediately exit their home and call 9-1-1. Keep exits clear and accessible at all times and have a home fire escape plan. Anyone with questions about home fire safety should contact their local fire department or the NH State Fire Marshal's Office.