Bristol NH Fire Department

08/23/2026

Building Fire update a week late!

On Saturday morning 8/15/2026 Bristol Fire Department was dispatched for a fire alarm at 22 H**p Hill Road at 05:38, arrived on scene at 05:49 and cleared in service from fire alarm at 05:50.

Then on the way back to the station Bristol and Alexandria Fire Departments were dispatched to smoke in the building at 05:53 at 21 Village West Drive, this was the very last condo off West Shore Rd. Bristol Engine 2 under the command of Captain Clayman arrived on scene at 05:58, and during his 360 investigation and speaking with a neighbor Captain Clayman noticed smoke from windows on floors 1 and 2, but quickly determined it to be a basement fire. Due to the structure being 3 floors in the rear and a walk out basement a handline was immediately stretched to the rear basement level, entry forced and fire in the rear of the basement extending up to the 1st floor was found. The fire had been buring for sometime in the concealed ceiling / floor space and burned a large hole clear up and through to the 1st floor. This is a very dangerous situation for our memebers, recognized and passed along to in coming companies quickly. Additional companies arrived on scene from Bristol (C2,C3,E4,L1,U1) and Alexandria and searches of floors 1 and 2 found no people, but a cat was located, removed and resuscitation efforts made, unfortunately they were unsuccessful. A 2nd handline was stretched to floor 1 and fire contained to the basement and floor 1.

We deal with the unknown on a lot of fires and sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. In one of the pictures a red circle, shows a wood stove and harth hanging half over the burned out floor to the basement. This situation could have been much worse and unknown to our members with little to no visibility.

This condo fire did not get anywhere near following and attention of the one from a few weeks back, but highlights what we do during times people are not as out and about.

Due to the swift actions the neighbors where able to stay in thier condo after some minor smoke removal and air quality monitoring.

Bristol and Alexandria NH Fire Department would like to thank our mutual aid partners, City of Franklin Fire Department, Bridgewater Fire, Hebron Fire, Stewart's Ambulance for their assistance.

All companies were clear and in service at 07:14.

08/16/2026

At 4:54 pm on Saturday, August 15, the Bristol Fire Department was dispatched by Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid for an outdoor smoke investigation in the area of New Chester Mountain Road and Roundtop. The call came in from the Cardigan Mountain Fire Tower (in Alexandria) and was cross referenced with the Green Mountain Fire Tower (in Effingham). Units responded to the area of Slim Baker Lodge. From there, members noted an area of smoke that appeared to be on the Southwest peak of Roundtop. Staging for apparatus and personnel was relocated to a cell phone tower at the end of Chestnut Street.

Responders hiked in on foot with forestry tools. A drone was used to assisted in guiding the initial responders. After a short hike on steep terrain, an area roughly 1/2 acre in size was located. The fire was spreading fairly slowly despite the constant wind from the North.

The cause of the fire was determined to be an act of nature (lightning), which can be seen in the attached photos, as well as pictures from the Cardigan Fire Tower and drone.

Bristol Fire Department responded with E2, E4, U1, A3, and Car 3 with a total of 9 personnel. The Fire Department will return this morning to continue overhaul operations.

Thank you to mutual aid from the Bristol NH Police Department, New Hampton Fire Department, Alexandria NH Fire Department, Danbury, NH Fire Department, and the Ashland Fire Department who provided assistance on scene and to Meredith EMS (Stewart's Ambulance Service) and Hebron Fire Department who provided station coverage.

08/07/2026

🔥Fire Prevention Friday!🔥

Welcome to the first installment of Fire Prevention Friday, where on the first Friday of each month, we’ll highlight a fire prevention topic to help spread awareness and keep our community safe.

This month, we’re starting with grill safety and proper grill placement.

When grilling, remember:

* 🔥 Keep grills at least 10 feet away from buildings and other combustible materials.
* 🧯 Always have a fire extinguisher nearby and readily accessible.
* 🏢 Open-flame cooking devices are prohibited on balconies and within 10 feet of combustible construction in multi-family buildings (3 or more units), including apartment buildings and attached condominiums.
* ⚡ Electric grills and griddles that don’t creat an open flame are the only exception and are permitted for use on balconies.

A few extra feet between your grill and your home can make a big difference. Grill on the ground and away from the building.

There’s plenty of Summer left for grilling. Please do so safely!

07/25/2026

Today, Friday, July 24, 2026, at 4:06pm, the Bristol Fire Department was dispatched to 30 Woodbury Drive, Unit #25, in Bristol for a reported building fire. There were multiple callers reporting this incident. Bristol Deputy Chief Dolloff arrived on scene at 4:10pm and reported heavy fire from 1 unit in an attached 5-unit wood frame condominium-style building. The engine, ladder, and ambulance arrived shortly after. A second alarm response was requested which provided resources from the agencies listed below. The fire did damage two adjacent units at varying levels of severity, and all 3 units are not inhabitable at this time. There was 1 civilian injury which was cared for on scene.

Bristol Fire Department responded with Engine 2, Engine 4, Ladder 1, Ambulance 2, Ambulance 3, Utility 1, and Car 1 with a total of 11 personnel.

Thank you to the bystanders for providing drinking water to those working on scene. We truly appreciate it!

Additionally, we’d like to thank our mutual aid partners who provided both assistance on scene and by providing coverage to the Town of Bristol and our contract communities. These agencies are as follows:

Bristol Police Department
Alexandria Fire Department
Ashland Fire Department
Bridgewater Fire Department
Campton-Thornton Fire Department
Danbury Fire Department
Franklin Fire Department
Hebron Fire Department
Hill Fire Department
Holderness Fire Department
Meredith EMS
Meredith Fire Department
New Hampton Fire Department
Plymouth Fire Department
Rumney Fire Department
Sanbornton Fire Department

The cause of the fire is under investigation but not considered suspicious. Please contact the Bristol Fire Department with questions regarding this incident.

07/23/2026

Lithium-Ion Battery fires are no joke! Watch this informative video regarding how quickly conditions can change.

07/03/2026

As you celebrate Independence Day with family and friends, please remember that fireworks can cause serious injuries and fires in just seconds.

Did you know? Sparklers burn at temperatures of over 1,200°F. While they may seem like a safe alternative for children, sparklers can cause severe burns and easily ignite clothing, dry grass, mulch, and other combustible materials.

A few important safety reminders:
• Leave fireworks to the professionals whenever possible and attend a public display.
• Never allow young children to handle sparklers or fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby.
• Only light one firework at a time and move away quickly after lighting it.
• Never relight a firework that doesn't go off.
• Soak all used fireworks in water before throwing them away.
• Keep spectators at a safe distance, and never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

With the hot, dry weather we've been experiencing, even a single spark can start a brush or structure fire. Please celebrate responsibly and help keep our community safe.

If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

06/30/2026

🌡️ HEAT ALERT FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS ☀️

The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously hot and humid conditions across New Hampshire over the next several days, with heat index values exceeding 100°F in many locations. These conditions can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, those with chronic medical conditions, and anyone working or spending extended time outdoors.

Please take steps to protect yourself and your family:
💧 Drink plenty of water—even if you don't feel thirsty.
🏠 Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
👕 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
🌳 Take frequent breaks in the shade if you must be outside.
🚗 Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.
👵 Check on elderly neighbors, friends, and relatives to ensure they are staying cool.

⚠️ Know the signs of heat-related illness.
Heat exhaustion can quickly progress to heat stroke, which is a life-threatening emergency. If someone becomes confused, loses consciousness, or stops sweating in extreme heat, call 911 immediately and begin cooling them with water or ice while waiting for emergency responders.

Stay informed by monitoring the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service.

06/18/2026

We are aware that there is a potential for severe thunderstorms throughout the remainder of the day today. These storms may bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, frequent lightning, and the possibility of hail. We are also in a tornado watch until 7 PM.

Please take a few moments to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.

🚫 Never approach or drive over downed power lines. Always assume they are energized and dangerous. Report downed wires to 911 immediately and keep a safe distance.

As storms move through the area, call volume may increase significantly. If that occurs, our firefighters will be responding as quickly and safely as possible to all emergencies. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to serve the community during severe weather conditions.

06/15/2026

06/13/2026

At 11:30 AM this morning, Saturday, June 13, 2026, the New Hampton Fire Department and Bristol Fire Department were dispatched to the intersection of NH Route 104 and East View Drive in New Hampton for a motorcycle accident. Bristol A3 arrived at 11:37 AM to find two patients lying roadside that were being tended to by bystanders and law enforcement officials. Additional resources from both New Hampton and Bristol were requested. NH Route 104 was shut down for approximately 1 hour but has since been reopened.

Both patients were transported by ground ambulances from New Hampton and Bristol to Concord Hospital - Concord with critical, life-threatening injuries. All inquires into the incident should be directed to New Hampton Police Department.

Bristol Fire Department responded with 2 ambulances and 1 utility and a total of 5 personnel.

During this incident, a subsequent medical call was handled by off-duty personnel and the remaining in-service ambulance.

Thank you to the New Hampton Fire Department, New Hampton Police Department, Bristol NH Police Department, and New Hampshire State Police for assistance on scene and to the Bridgewater Fire Department for providing station coverage.

Please remember to look twice and check blind spots for motorcycles. Expect heavy motorcycle traffic this week, which marks the 103rd Laconia Motorcycle Week.