Rochester NH Fire Department

Rochester NH Fire Department The Rochester Fire Department serves the Lilac City with a dedicated and well-trained staff of firefighters with state of the art equipment and apparatus.

The department consists of 46 full-time firefighters & support staff, and a chaplain. New Hampshire Fire Permits can be obtained online at:
www.nhfirepermit.com

Yesterday, members of C Shift spent more than 12 hours in the Town of Berwick assisting with a large scrap metal fire.Ro...
06/12/2026

Yesterday, members of C Shift spent more than 12 hours in the Town of Berwick assisting with a large scrap metal fire.

Rochester Fire’s Tanker 7 was assigned to the water shuttle operation throughout the incident, transporting thousands of gallons of water to the scene. Engine 2 established a draft site and supplied water to the tanker shuttle, helping maintain a continuous water supply for firefighting operations.

Incidents of this size require a tremendous amount of coordination and teamwork between departments. We are proud to assist our mutual aid partners whenever needed.

This week, Assistant Chief Pageau and Captain Riley completed the 5-day Blue Card Train-the-Trainer Program in Portsmout...
06/12/2026

This week, Assistant Chief Pageau and Captain Riley completed the 5-day Blue Card Train-the-Trainer Program in Portsmouth, NH.

The program prepares instructors to coach and develop incident commanders through realistic fireground scenarios while promoting standardized command practices. This training strengthens Rochester Fire Department’s ability to provide high-quality command training and leadership development in-house.

Congratulations to both on this accomplishment and their commitment to professional development and firefighter safety.

***For Immediate Release***Rochester Fire Department Responds to Apartment Fire at Wyandotte FallsOn Friday, June 5th, 2...
06/08/2026

***For Immediate Release***

Rochester Fire Department Responds to Apartment Fire at Wyandotte Falls

On Friday, June 5th, 2026, at approximately 6:13p.m. the Rochester Fire Department was dispatched to Wyandotte Falls Apartments for a reported fire alarm activation. While responding, crews received additional information indicating a smoke condition within the building.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the building’s alarm system activated and residents evacuating. Crews quickly located a fire in a second-floor apartment and initiated suppression operations. The fire was rapidly brought under control, limiting damage primarily to the apartment of origin and preventing extension to other areas of the building.
Firefighters conducted a primary search of the affected apartment and safely removed a pet from the residence. One resident was transported by Frisbie EMS for evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries. The apartment occupant was displaced by the fire and received assistance from the American Red Cross. Other residents were able to return to their apartments following the incident. No Firefighter injuries where reported.
Mutual aid companies from Barrington, Berwick, Dover, Farmington, Milton, and Somersworth assisted at the scene and provided station coverage during the incident.
Following an investigation by the Rochester Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire was determined to have originated in the kitchen and was caused by the accidental ignition of cooking oil during food preparation.
The Rochester Fire Department reminds residents that unattended cooking remains one of the leading causes of residential fires. Residents are encouraged to remain attentive while cooking and ensure smoke alarms are properly installed, maintained, and tested regularly. In this incident, the apartment smoke alarms and building fire alarm system operated as designed, providing early notification to occupants and contributing to a safe evacuation.
The Rochester Fire Department would like to thank its mutual aid partners, Frisbie EMS, the Rochester Housing Authority, and the American Red Cross for their assistance and support during this incident.

Today A Shift traveled to Gilford to complete their annual live burn training day. With today’s training, all four shift...
05/28/2026

Today A Shift traveled to Gilford to complete their annual live burn training day. With today’s training, all four shifts have now completed this important annual department requirement.

Live burn training provides firefighters with realistic, hands-on experience in fire attack, search, ventilation, and crew coordination in a controlled environment, helping ensure our members remain prepared to safely and effectively serve the community.

A big thank you to the Town of Gilford and the Gilford Fire Department for hosting us and allowing us to utilize their excellent training facility.

🚨 IT BEEPS FOR A REASON! 🚨Do you know what your smoke or CO alarm is trying to tell you? Different beep patterns can mea...
05/22/2026

🚨 IT BEEPS FOR A REASON! 🚨

Do you know what your smoke or CO alarm is trying to tell you? Different beep patterns can mean danger, low battery, or end-of-life replacement.

✅ Test alarms monthly
✅ Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
✅ Replace CO alarms every 5 years
✅ Always follow manufacturer recommendations

⚠️ Beep patterns may vary by brand and model. Check the back label or user manual.

Working alarms save lives.

Today, four Rochester firefighters along with firefighters from surrounding departments successfully completed a four-da...
05/22/2026

Today, four Rochester firefighters along with firefighters from surrounding departments successfully completed a four-day Trench Rescue Technician class hosted in the City of Rochester and sponsored by the Seacoast Chief Fire Officers Mutual Aid District.

The course provided students with hands-on training in specialized trench rescue operations, including hazard recognition, shoring systems, victim removal techniques, scene safety, and coordinated rescue operations.

Training opportunities like this help ensure our firefighters are prepared to respond to complex technical rescue emergencies throughout the region.

A special thank you to Hammond Lumber Company, Lowe’s, and Norman Vetter Foundations for their generous donation of lumber and supplies used during the class. Their support helped make this valuable hands-on training possible.

Thank you to all of the instructors, participating departments, and mutual aid partners who helped make this training a success.

***For Immediate Release***Rochester Fire Department Responds to Large Brush Fire Near Betts RoadOn Sunday, May 17, 2026...
05/19/2026

***For Immediate Release***

Rochester Fire Department Responds to Large Brush Fire Near Betts Road

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, at approximately 4:35 PM, the Rochester Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Betts Road and the power line corridor for a reported brush fire.

Initial arriving companies encountered a rapidly spreading fire burning in a wooded area adjacent to the power lines. Firefighters accessed the area from multiple points including Pond View Lane, Governors Road, and the power line access roads. Due to dry conditions, difficult terrain, and the fire’s proximity to nearby homes on Governors Road and surrounding neighborhoods, additional resources were quickly requested.

The fire ultimately burned approximately 7.7 acres according to aerial mapping conducted during the incident. Crews worked aggressively to contain the fire while also establishing structure protection for nearby residences. Several homes were identified as threatened during the height of the incident; however, no structures were damaged and no civilian injuries were reported.

The incident escalated to a second alarm assignment and required a large regional mutual aid response. Mutual aid departments provided brush trucks, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), manpower, and station coverage throughout the operation. All off-duty Rochester firefighters were also recalled to assist with firefighting operations and station coverage assignments. The Strafford County Sheriff’s Office assisted by utilizing drone technology and infrared imaging to help identify hotspots and map the fire perimeter in the heavily wooded terrain.

Crews remained on scene for several hours extinguishing hotspots and conducting overhaul operations. Command was terminated shortly after 8:25 PM, with personnel returning the following day to check for any remaining hotspots.

The fire was investigated by the Rochester Fire Marshal’s Office in coordination with the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands. Investigators determined the fire most likely originated from an abandoned campfire located within the wooded area.

The Rochester Fire Department continues to remind residents that dry spring conditions significantly increase the risk of brush fires. Fire departments throughout the region have responded to numerous brush fires this spring attributed to both human activity and power line related incidents. Residents are urged to use caution with outdoor burning activities and ensure all campfires are fully extinguished before leaving the area.

The Rochester Fire Department would like to thank the numerous mutual aid agencies that assisted during this incident, including Milton Fire-Rescue, Farmington Fire-Rescue, Somersworth Fire Department, Barrington Fire & Rescue, Strafford Fire & Rescue, Dover Fire & Rescue, Berwick Fire Department, Lebanon Fire-EMS, Lee Fire Department, Durham Fire Department, and the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, along with assisting law enforcement and communications personnel.

This week, Rochester Fire Department command staff and shift officers completed the final portion of their Blue Card Haz...
05/15/2026

This week, Rochester Fire Department command staff and shift officers completed the final portion of their Blue Card Hazard Zone Management Incident Commander Certification Program.

The certification process included over 30 hours of online coursework followed by three days of hands-on command simulations designed to challenge officers in real-world emergency scenarios. With the completion of the program, these members are now certified Incident Commanders.

The Blue Card program is a nationally recognized training system focused on modern incident command, strategic decision-making, accountability, firefighter safety, and effective management of emergency incidents. The training emphasizes standardized command practices that help improve coordination and operational effectiveness on the fireground.

A special thank you to Sanford Fire Department and Portsmouth Fire Department for allowing their Assistant Chiefs to assist with administering the practical simulation scenarios throughout the week. Their time, experience, and support helped make this training a success.

Congratulations to all of the officers who completed the program and continue to invest in professional development and leadership training to better serve the City of Rochester and our community.

On Friday, B Shift visited Spaulding High School to provide a live auto extrication demonstration during their Pre-Prom ...
05/09/2026

On Friday, B Shift visited Spaulding High School to provide a live auto extrication demonstration during their Pre-Prom Day activities.

The demonstration gave students a look at the dangers of impaired and distracted driving while showing the tools and techniques firefighters use during serious motor vehicle accidents.

Thank you to Spaulding High School for having us and helping promote safe decisions this prom season.

05/08/2026

For the month of May, please join us in congratulating the following RFD members on their dedication and service to the Lilac City!

Lieutenant Daryl Morales - 15 years
Lieutenant Ken Hoyt - 15 years
Firefighter Matt Fuller - 3 years

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37 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH
03867

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