NH State Fire Marshal's Office

09/15/2026

Effective July 27, 2026, the updated fire code mandates that all incidents be reported in the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) within 10 days.

This deadline helps us build a faster, more accurate picture of emergency response trends so together, we can improve preparedness and protect our communities.

If you have questions about submitting data to NERIS, reach out to us at our new email: [email protected].

09/15/2026

Big news for fire safety in our state!

New Hampshire is ranked second in the nation for departments reporting into National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS)!

Thanks to the dedication of our local fire departments, we’ve reached a remarkable 90% reporting rate in NERIS! This is higher than ever reported in NHFIRS.

Your commitment to accurate and timely incident data is making a real impact in strengthening public safety across our communities. Thank you for your continued efforts and leadership.

If you have questions about submitting data to NERIS, reach out to us at our new email: [email protected].

09/15/2026

Happy belated birthday to Reeves, who turned 9 on Saturday!

He works hard with his handler, Fire Investigator Sol Rosmon, as an Ignitable Liquid Detection K-9. He is an important part of the team for collecting evidence at fire scenes.

We hope you had a great birthday, Reeves!

09/11/2026

NEWS RELEASE: ARRESTS MADE IN HISTORIC KIMBALL CASTLE FIRE IN GILFORD

GILFORD, N.H. – Following an extensive investigation by the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office, two people have been arrested in connection with the August 2025 incendiary fire at the historic Kimball Castle in Gilford.

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, Joshua D. Pittman, 18, of Dover, was arrested on an active warrant for felony conspiracy to commit arson and misdemeanor criminal trespass. On Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, Peyton N. Eastman, 19, of Portsmouth, was arrested on a warrant for felony arson and misdemeanor criminal trespass.

Both suspects were processed and released on personal recognizance and are scheduled to be arraigned on October 8, 2026, at 8:15 a.m. in Laconia District Court.

State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey would like to thank the Gilford Police Department and Gilford Fire Department for their continued partnership and assistance throughout this investigation. Marshal Toomey would also like to recognize the officers with the Rochester Police Department and the Dover Police Department who assisted with locating and arresting the suspects.

Members of the Somersworth Police Department, Wolfeboro Police Department, Laconia Police Department, Durham Police Department, and the North Berwick, Maine Police Department also provided valuable assistance during the investigation.

No further information is available at this time.

09/11/2026

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office honors the nearly 3,000 individuals whose lives were lost, including the first responders who demonstrated unwavering courage and made the ultimate sacrifice.

We will never forget.

08/25/2026

Please join us in welcoming our newest team member, K-9 Douglas!

Congratulations to Investigator Dennis and K-9 Douglas on the successful completion of Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine Training in August!

Investigator Dennis is the 9th handler and Douglas is the 12th canine in the history of the NH State Fire Marshal's Office. We look forward to working with you both.

08/19/2026

The 2026 NASFM Annual Conference is taking place this week, bringing together State Fire Marshals and fire service partners to tackle today’s most critical fire and life safety challenges. This event is a cornerstone for advancing national fire prevention, strengthening community risk reduction efforts, and shaping policies that protect people and property across the country. By sharing expertise, aligning strategies, and building partnerships, NASFM helps advance programs that protect lives, property, and communities nationwide.

We’re proud to share that New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey has been elected Vice President of the NASFM Board of Directors. This honor reflects his leadership and commitment to fire and life safety in New Hampshire and nationwide.

Congratulations, Marshal Toomey! New Hampshire is well represented on the national stage.

08/18/2026

This week, Rebecca Cowser, our Community Risk Reduction Program Manager, gave a presentation titled “Partnerships That Save Lives: Growing A Regional CO Safety Alliance” at the CO Safety Summit, hosted by the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association.

Rebecca’s dedication to collaborating with communities and organizations has been instrumental in advancing carbon monoxide safety across our state. She consistently seeks out local partners, fire departments, and community groups, to ensure residents have access to clear and effective CO education and prevention resources.

Her commitment to listening, learning, and building strong relationships has helped create a network of allies who share a common goal: reducing CO incidents and protecting the well-being of every Granite Stater.

08/09/2026

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has resources to support your efforts in teaching safe charging. It's even the theme for Fire Prevention Week!
https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week

Teach students and families about safe charging habits. Share these tips for a safer school year: USFA Battery Safety

08/07/2026

Did you know we host monthly calls for fire & life safety educators? We often bring in experts to discuss common issues from the field with us. The next Fire & Life Safety Educator Network meeting is on Wednesday, August 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Hoarding was one of the most requested training topics in our 2025 survey, so we invited a special guest to speak with us.

Join us in conversation with guest speaker Dr. Randy O. Frost. He has published more than 160 scientific articles and books on hoarding and related topics, including the book "Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things." Dr. Frost is one of the first scientists to study hoarding and has worked with hundreds of patients and their families.

Please join us to learn more about hoarding, ask your burning questions, and hear more about how to interact with individuals who display hoarding behavior.

Email us at [email protected] for the meeting link.