Outside fire in Northfield likely caused by construction debris

NORTHFIELD — An outside fire on Windfall Road that torched about 1.5 acres of brush was likely caused by burnt construction debris. Tilton-Northfield Deputy Fire Chief Greg Stetson praised firefighters for knocking it down quickly, saving nearby buildings.

Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS received a call at the Tilton Center Street Station at 5:05 p.m. on July 24, reporting “a couple hundred yards of woods on fire" on Windfall Road, according to a release from Stetson. Additional crews were requested by the responding captain.

Crews who first responded to the scene found the outside fire slowly spreading, about 25 yards from a home under construction. There were several emergencies at that time in the Lakes Region, including a large fire at a condominium in Bristol, which “significantly delayed” other companies in responding, and some could not respond at all.

“It seemed like everyone was busy at that time,” Stetson said. “Fortunately, it wasn’t windy. It was at the top of the hill, and the bottom would have been more challenging. The biggest challenge was limited manpower.”

Tilton-Northfield firefighters deployed main attack lines to the left and right of the fire, containing it until additional personnel arrived. More hoses were deployed, and crews engaged in “extensive mop-up” upon arrival.

With no supply nearby, tankers shuttled water from a pressurized hydrant at the Park Street Station. The fire was brought under control at 6:03 p.m. and the scene was cleared at 8:17 p.m.

No injuries were reported in the incident. Stetson said the fire is not deemed suspicious, and the state Fire Marshal's Office is not involved.

“It appears that there was some burning of some remnant construction debris early in the day that was not fully extinguished,” Stetson said.

Firefighter Josiah Eide said a recent lack of rain promotes fire spread in wooded areas, and fortunately, the department has progressive hose packs they train with on a regular basis. Eide reminded property owners to get burn permits, follow open burning rules, and make sure fires are fully extinguished.

Stetson commended the work of firefighters who responded, including those from Belmont, Franklin, and Gilford. Laconia Fire responded to a medical emergency at Highland Mountain Bike Park during the fire, and Belmont Fire covered the station. Sanbornton Fire covered Belmont’s fire station.

“The initial arriving companies did an outstanding job with a quick knockdown,” Stetson said. “It was challenging, because some of the automatic aid partners were not available, but we rely heavily on our neighbors when we get fires of this magnitude. Everyone did a great job and worked really well together.”