On Saturday, July 11, 2026, at approximately 1:40 p.m., the Rochester Fire Department was dispatched to 119 North Main Street for a reported structure fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke and fire coming from a first-floor apartment in a three-story, six-unit apartment building. A box alarm was requested, and crews immediately initiated an aggressive interior fire attack while additional firefighters conducted primary searches of the building to ensure all occupants had safely evacuated.

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire, successfully containing it to the apartment of origin. Although the fire was confined to a single unit, smoke spread throughout the building, affecting all six apartments. The fire was declared under control at approximately 2:20 p.m.

Frisbie EMS evaluated one resident at the scene for a medical issue and transported the individual to Frisbie Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.

Due to extensive smoke damage, all six apartments were deemed uninhabitable. Approximately 10 residents were displaced, and the American Red Cross responded to assist those affected by the fire.

Mutual aid assistance was provided at the scene by the Dover, Farmington, and Somersworth Fire Departments. The Milton, Berwick, and Barrington Fire Departments provided station coverage for the City of Rochester during the incident.

Following an investigation by the Rochester Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office, the cause of the fire was classified as undetermined.

The Rochester Fire Department would like to thank its mutual aid partners, Frisbie EMS, and the American Red Cross for their assistance during this incident.