MEREDITH, New Hampshire – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Meredith Fire Chief Ken Jones and Meredith Police Chief Michael Harper announce that a fire occurred at 33 Corliss Hill Road in Meredith on April 17, 2023, at approximately 11:40 PM.  Meredith police and firefighters responded to the scene and found a house fully engulfed in flames. 

The Meredith Fire Department, with assistance from mutual aid agencies, extinguished the fire and located a deceased male in the garage. 

The NH State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene to investigate the origin and cause of the fire, and this investigation is ongoing.  Information available at this time does not indicate that the fire was the result of arson. 

The victim was transported to the NH State Medical Examiner’s Office in Concord for an autopsy, which occurred this morning.  The cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation.  The manner of death is pending the fire investigation results, and a positive identification of the victim is pending.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office at (603) 223-4289 or by email at fmo@dos.nh.gov. 

State Fire Marshal Toomey would like to remind all citizens of the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. In the event of an alarm activation or visible smoke or fire, immediately exit your home and call 9-1-1. Keep exits clear and accessible at all times and have a home fire escape plan.  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.

No further information will be released at this time.