New Ipswich Boy Wins Award of Excellence in Fire & Life Safety

CONCORD, NH – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal J. William Degnan is pleased to announce a new award program recognizing New Hampshire students, both public and private, in grades pre-kindergarten through high school. The State Fire Marshal’s Award of Excellence in Fire & Life Safety program recognizes students that do an outstanding act in the area of fire and life safety that benefits the lives and wellbeing of those around them.

Submitted by Sheryl Nielsen, Public Education Specialist

On Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at approximately 3:55 a.m., 9-year-old Isaiah Blais awoke to the smell of smoke and the sound of smoke alarms going off in his home. Upon looking out his bedroom window, Blais saw flames coming from the garage below.

Instantly, Blais put his acquired fire and life safety education and family’s escape plan immediately into action by waking his brother and meeting his parents at the front door where they proceeded to exit the home. Together, they awaited the arrival of the New Ipswich Fire Department from their meeting spot at the end of the driveway.

Shortly upon the arrival of the first due engine, the floor on that side of the house collapsed. If it were not for Isaiah’s fast action, the outcome could have been much worse.

On June 22, 2016, State Fire Marshal Degnan recognized Blais as the first recipient of the State Fire Marshal’s Award of Excellence in Fire & Life Safety at the New Ipswich Fire Department.