8 Injured In 3-Alarm Fire, One Month Old Critically Injured

OSSIPEE, NH — NH State Fire Marshal Paul Parisi said multiple 911 calls were received reporting a fire with people trapped on Route 16 just after noon on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Upon arrival Ossipee Corner Fire Dept found heavy fire showing from the 3rd floor of a 4 story, 15-unit apartment building. Three occupants jumped from windows on the third and fourth floors, and two children were dropped from upper windows as well.

Arriving firefighters, police officers and civilians assisted occupants with evacuating the building, including one rescue made over a ground ladder.

Ultimately, eight occupants were transported to Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro by ambulances. Three victims were then transferred to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon two via DHART helicopter and one by ambulance. The ages of those transported are as follows:

Dartmouth Hitchcock:

1 month old female – critical condition

19 year old female – Serious, non-life threatening

17 year old female – Serious, non-life threatening

Huggins Hospital:

2 year old female

23 year old male

33 year old female

50 year old female

53 year old male

The victims were transported for traumatic injuries from jumping, as well as for smoke inhalation.

There were a total of 49 occupants that lived in the building, with approximately half being home at the time of the fire.

The American Red Cross Disaster Team was on scene to assist with replacing essential items and sheltering the victims for the night. The town of Ossipee was instrumental in facilitating the victims.

The origin and cause of the fire is being investigated by the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office and will be ongoing through the day on Friday.

State Fire Marshal Parisi reminds residents to make sure their smoke alarms are in working order, and to keep exits clear and available for use, including windows and secondary doors.

Complete photo gallery by clicking Ossipee, NH 3-Alarm Fire Photos.