A devastating blaze destroyed a lumber storage facility in Littleton, New Hampshire, on Sunday morning, causing a massive response from local and regional fire departments. The fire, reported at Varney & Smith Lumber Company located at 807 Meadow Street, prompted an immediate call to action for Littleton Fire Rescue and aiding crews from across New Hampshire and Vermont. According to NBC Boston, the fire had a "significant head start" on firefighters, who were forced to quickly to adopt exterior operations upon their arrival.
The inferno rapidly spread through the facility, owing to the highly flammable nature of the stored materials which included dimensional lumber, plywood, and various construction supplies. Fire Chief Chad Miller said in a statement obtained by NBC Boston, "This fire had a significant head start on us, requiring an exterior operation from the moment we arrived." The engulfed structure, situated behind a Cumberland Farms on Meadow Street, was also detailed in a report by WMUR, with witness Tom Ridley describing the chaos of explosions echoing through the area.
Fire crews from several jurisdictions, including St. Johnsbury, Lisbon, and Franconia, battled to control the flames that at one point threatened to compromise their safety. A particular challenge came when large stacks of lumber began to shift dangerously, as reported by NBC Boston. Machinery, such as an excavator, was brought in to knock down unstable piles and allow firefighters to safely extinguish deep-rooted flames under collapsed material.
As fire officials fought the blaze, a vehicle drove over and ruptured a crucial supply line, significantly disrupting the firefighting efforts. The driver sped away from the scene as reported by NBC Boston, leaving behind part of the vehicle's exhaust and causing over $1,000 in damage. Littleton Water & Light had to be called upon to adjust the municipal water system to ensure sufficient water pressure to fight the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office, Littleton Fire Rescue, and the Littleton Police Department. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported, a fortunate outcome given the scale of the emergency. Both NBC Boston and WMUR note the ongoing investigations, and Littleton Fire Rescue is urging anyone with information, including early-stage photos or videos, to come forward to assist in the inquiry.
