‘No Evidence’ Of A Crime During ‘River Dave’s’ Cabin Fire: Update

CANTERBURY, NH — An investigation into a fire at a campsite of a squatter in Canterbury, who had been living on private land for near three decades, has “several potential accidental causes,” according to investigators.

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that the fire at “River Dave’s” encampment on Wednesday was “unintentional” or “accidental.” The origin, however, is undetermined.

“The investigation has identified several potential accidental causes of the fire,” said Chief Michael Gamache of the Canterbury Fire Department, “but the origin and cause are still undetermined at this time.”

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Gamache said there was "no evidence indicating that a crime occurred" and "no evidence to support the assumption that this fire was intentionally set and nowhere near enough evidence to consider criminal charges.”

Gamache said before the fire occurred, the cabin built, by David Lidstone, who was involved in a multi-year court case where he fought to keep from being removed from the property owned by Leonard Giles, was being dismantled, as directed by a Merrimack County Superior Court judge. A representative of Giles' was dismantling the cabin.

Many of Lidstone’s possessions were moved to an outbuilding adjacent to the cabin for preservation.

The outbuilding of “River Dave’s” compound. Credit: Canterbury Fire Department

“Important documents,” Gamache said, were given to the Canterbury Police Department.

Gamache said, if and when there are further developments or when the investigation concludes, more information will be released.

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