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.
