On Tuesday, February 11, at 8:19 AM, the Rochester Fire Department responded to a structure fire with reports of visible flames. Engine 2, Engine 4, and Tanker 7 responded, along with Car 2 and Car 4.

Engine 2 arrived first on the scene, reporting heavy fire from the structure and requesting a box alarm at 8:27 AM. The fire had already spread throughout the structure and was visible from multiple windows and doors. Dover, Somersworth, and all off-duty Rochester firefighters were called in on the initial box alarm.

Crews initially deployed two handlines and worked to gain access to the structure from both the front and rear of the mobile home. At this time, responders were informed that additional occupants and four pets were possibly inside and unaccounted for. However, after on-scene interviews, it was determined that only three of the nine occupants were home at the time of the fire.

Fire crews made an aggressive attack and completed both primary and secondary searches, both of which were negative. Unfortunately, two pets were found deceased. All nine occupants were later accounted for and in contact with Rochester Fire Department personnel, with no reported injuries.

The department received assistance on the scene from Dover, Somersworth, Strafford, and Barrington. Farmington and Durham provided station coverage for Central and Gonic and responded to other medical calls.

At the time of the fire, the occupants were asleep, and at least one person had to escape through a window due to blocked egress caused by smoke and flames. Following the initial investigation, the cause of the fire was deemed undetermined, but the area of origin was near the woodstove. There were no smoke detectors in the home.