Illegal Bonfire in Dunbarton Caused Forest Fire: Cops

DUNBARTON, NH – A brush fire in Dunbarton which scorched more than an acre of woodlands is believed to have been started by an illegal bonfire in the woods on Sunday night and police are asking for the public for help solving the case, according to a Concord Regional Crimeline alert.

The fire was discovered at around 6 p.m. on July 3, in a remote area of the Kuncanowet Town Forest and Conservation Area near Gorham Pond. The fire damaged about an acre of woodlands. Fire teams from Dunbarton, Bow, Goffstown, Hopkinton, New Boston, and Weare, spent July 3, and July 4, tackling the fire, according to Sgt. Christopher Remillard of the Dunbarton Police Department.

“A witness reported seeing a red truck and a white van or SUV parked in the Kuncanowet Town Forest parking area at the end of Holiday Shore Drive around 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 2,” according to Remillard. “The vehicles were seen leaving the area around 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 3rd. An older model beige sedan was also seen in the parking area. (The) initial investigation has revealed that the fire started and spread from an illegal bonfire.”

Remillard noted that there was also trash left at the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dunbarton Police Department at 603-774-5500. Anonymous tips may be submitted through the Concord Regional Crimeline at 603-226-3100. Tips may also be submitted online by visiting concordregionalcrimeline.com.