UPDATE: MARCH 6, 7:54 P.M.: New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Paul J. Parisi and Ossipee Corner Fire Chief Adam Riley announce an update for the 3rd alarm fire at an apartment building at 455 Route 16 in Ossipee.
The investigation has revealed that a fire occurred within an apartment unit on the third floor of the building. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by members of the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office. Several victims have been treated and released. Three victims remain hospitalized but fortunately all victims have been upgraded to stable condition. The ages of the victims that remain hospitalized are:
Dartmouth Hitchcock
1 month old female
19 year old female
17 year old female
State Fire Marshal Parisi would like to remind all New Hampshire citizens of the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. Create and practice a home fire escape plan with your family. In the event of a fire, immediately exit your residence, call 9-1-1 and stay outside.
Original story is below. March 6, 2020, 2:59 a.m.
OSSIPEE, NH – Eight people were injured in an apartment fire in which people jumped from upper floors to escape the blaze, including two children who were dropped to safety.
State Fire Marshal Paul J. Parisi and Ossipee Corner Fire Department Chief Adam Riley announce details surrounding a 3rd alarm fire in an apartment building in Ossipee.
Multiple 911 calls were received reporting a fire with people trapped at 455 NH Route 16 just after noon on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Upon arrival, OCFD 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 area ambulances. Three victims were then transferred to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, two via DHART helicopter and one via ground 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 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 on-going through the day on Friday, March 6.
State Fire Marshal Parisi reminds residents to make sure their smoke alarms are in workingo and to keep exits clear and available for use, including windows and secondary doors.
More information will be forthcoming if/when it is able to be released, including the condition of victims.
