05/04/2026
On 5/3/2026 at 22:23 hours, Effingham Fire Department and Action Ambulance were dispatched to a residence on Elm Street for a report of fire in the building. The fire was reportedly started by a hot glue gun, and the homeowner had attempted to extinguish the fire unsuccessfully. A first alarm was dispatched automatically, bringing in mutual aid companies from Ossipee Corner, Center Ossipee, Freedom, West Ossipee, Wakefield, and a Kezar Falls engine for coverage.
Effingham Car 1 arrived on the scene at 22:31 and found a single-story residential structure with smoke showing from the front door. Three occupants were evacuated from the home prior to arrival and were being treated by EMS for smoke inhalation. An additional ambulance was requested to the scene.
Effingham Engine 3 and Engine 4 arrived on the scene at 22:36, along with a Center Ossipee engine. Crews made entry and found a small smoldering fire in a bedroom. The fire was fully extinguished, and the home was ventilated of the smoke condition. There was no fire extension.
All mutual aid companies were placed in service at 22:40.
Three occupants were treated at the scene and released.
All companies cleared the scene at midnight.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental.
We would like to thank all of our mutual aid partners for their assistance.
