State Officials: Concord Man Died from Smoke Inhalation

New Hampshire State Fire Marshal J. William Degnan, Concord Fire Chief Daniel Andrus and Concord Police Chief Bradley Osgood have announced an update in the fatal fire investigation at a multi-family dwelling located at 96 Rumford St. in Concord.

As a result of the autopsy conducted today by the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the victim has been positively identified as Kevin Curdie, 60, of Concord. The cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation, and the manner of death was accidental.

“As a result of the fire investigation it has been determined that the fire originated in the front room of the first floor at 96 Rumford St.,” according to investigators. “The investigative team is still evaluating multiple accidental causes. No working smoke alarm was present in the room where the victim was located.”

The investigation is ongoing by members of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Concord Fire Department, and the Concord Police Department.

Curdie was a fixture in both Downtown Concord and White Park, often taking pictures of buildings (check out A Guy with a Camera in NH on Flickr.com), birds, and artwork in the community. Some people knew him as “Tunnel Rat”; other people knew him as the gentle giant who attended Concord City Council meetings and often offered comment about public policy and pointed out safety issues to officials and department heads.

In light of the approaching winter, Marshal Degnan would like to remind all citizens of the following important safety practices:

• Working smoke alarms should be present in your residence. You have as little as two to three minutes to escape your home once a smoke alarm is activated.
• Space heaters should be inspected and combustibles kept at least three feet away from any heating source.
• Electrical outlets should not be overloaded and extension cords should only be for temporary use.

If you have any questions about fire safety in your home, please contact your local fire department or the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office.