10/18/2026
Update - Monday, 10/19:
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed the identity of the deceased victim as Michael Bussiere, 63, of Bow. Bussiere’s cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation, and the manner of death was ruled accidental. The surviving victim, an adult female, remains hospitalized and is stable. The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is ongoing.
NEWS RELEASE: 1 PERSON DECEASED, 1 SERIOUSLY HURT AFTER HOUSE FIRE IN STARK
STARK, N.H. – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey and Stark Fire Chief Colin Wentworth announce that one person is deceased, and another is hospitalized following a house fire.
Just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, an adult female resident of 37 Montgomery Road in Stark reported a fire at the home to a neighbor, who called 911. Dispatchers learned that one person was still inside the home, as flames were spreading. A neighbor attempted to enter the burning home to rescue the remaining occupant, an adult male, but was unable to do so due to the growing fire. When firefighters arrived a few minutes later, the house was fully involved, with flames coming out of the doors and windows. Firefighters later reported they were unable to immediately enter the home due to the worsening conditions.
Additional firefighters from Milan and Groveton responded to assist. Station coverage was provided by members of the Lancaster and Berlin fire departments.
After the fire was ultimately brought under control around 4:30 a.m., the adult male and two dogs were found deceased in the home. The surviving victim was airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The identity of the deceased victim is being withheld pending an autopsy scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office responded to the scene and assumed the lead of the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. At this time, the fire is not considered suspicious, and investigators believe a wood stove inside the home was a primary factor. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact investigators at (603) 223-4289 or [email protected].
State Fire Marshal Toomey reminds all Granite Staters of the importance of proper maintenance and annual cleanings of wood-burning appliances and chimneys. Keep combustible materials at least three to five feet away from any heating appliance, always properly dispose of wood stove ash, and ensure pathways inside and outside the home are maintained and clear.
No further information is available at this time.
