Man Dies During Bradford 4-Alarm Home Fire After Knife Threat Incident

CONCORD, NH — Local police and state officials are investigating the death of a man after a knife threat incident and a four-alarm house fire on West Main Street in Bradford on Thursday afternoon.

Around 12:45 p.m., Bradford police were sent to the home for a report of a man in crisis. When they arrived, they found a man armed with a knife and requested more police. State troopers, Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and police from Newbury, Sutton, and Warner arrived. According to Sean Toomey, the state fire marshal, various attempts were made to de-escalate the situation but were unsuccessful.

About five hours later, smoke and fire began coming from the home, and Bradford fire and rescue teams were requested. As the fire intensified, more firefighters were requested. Bow, Henniker, Hillsboro, Hopkinton, Newbury, New London, Sutton, Warner, and Washington firefighters arrived to help. The fire went to four alarms.

“After multiple hours,” Toomey said, “firefighters have fully extinguished the fire, and investigators at the scene have located the adult male deceased.”

The man was taken to the office of the chief medical examiner for an autopsy to verify his identity and confirm his cause and manner of death, he said.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office at 603-223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.

Toomey reminded anyone struggling with a mental health crisis that help is available. Anyone can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 for free and confidential support for themselves, a friend, or a loved one.

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