One Person Dead, Woman Injured And Two Dogs Die In Fire In Stark

Firefighters arrived at Montgomery Road and found a structure fully engulfed with a person trapped inside early Sunday morning.

By Jeffrey Hastings, Patch Staff

Oct 18, 2026 6:12 PM EDT

Firefighters arrived at Montgomery Road and found a structure fully engulfed with a person trapped inside early Sunday morning. (Jeffrey Hastings)

STARK, N.H. — A fatal early-morning house fire in Stark has left one man dead, two pets deceased, and a woman hospitalized with serious injuries, officials announced Sunday.

New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey and Stark Fire Chief Colin Wentworth released details regarding the devastating blaze at 37 Montgomery Road, which broke out shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Authorities say an adult female resident escaped the home and alerted a neighbor, who dialed 911. Dispatchers were informed that an adult male remained trapped inside as flames quickly engulfed the home. Driven by urgency, a neighbor attempted a rescue entry but was turned back by intense heat and rapidly spreading fire.

When firefighters arrived minutes later, they were met with a fully involved structure, with heavy flames blowing out of the doors and windows. Severe fire conditions prevented crews from attacking the interior immediately.

Additional crews from Milan and Groveton rushed to the scene to help battle the fire, while members of the Lancaster and Berlin fire departments provided station coverage.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control around 4:30 a.m. During a subsequent search of the scene, firefighters located the deceased adult male inside the residence, along with two dogs. The surviving female victim was airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital to receive treatment for serious injuries.

The identity of the deceased man is being withheld pending an autopsy scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office has taken the lead in investigating the fire's cause and origin. Officials stated the incident is not considered suspicious, with preliminary findings pointing to a wood stove inside the home as a primary factor.

In light of the tragedy, State Fire Marshal Toomey urged all Granite Staters to prioritize wood-burning appliance safety:

Maintain and schedule annual cleanings for chimneys and wood stoves.
Keep combustible materials at least 3 to 5 feet away from all heating appliances.
Properly dispose of wood stove ash in secure, fire-safe containers.
Keep pathways clear inside and outside the home for emergency egress.

Anyone with additional information regarding the fire is encouraged to contact the State Fire Marshal's Office at (603) 223-4289 or via email at fmo@dos.nh.gov.