Update: Victims Identified In Weare Fatal Fire

Update - 5:48 p.m., Nov. 22, 2024

WEARE, N.H. – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Weare Fire Rescue Chief Mark Roarick, and Weare Police Department Chief Christopher Moore announce that the victims of a fatal fire at 83A High Rock Road in Weare on Nov. 20, 2024 have been identified and the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has released their causes of death. 

Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Mitchell Weinberg, M.D. identified the victims as Paul L. Naves, 80, and Catherine A. Naves, 77. Paul Naves’ death was ruled natural and Catherine Naves’ cause of death was ruled accidental.

The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire remains active and is being conducted by the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office, in collaboration with the Weare Fire Department and the Weare Police Department. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office at (603) 223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov. 

State Fire Marshal Toomey reminds all Granite State residents of the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes. In the event of an alarm activation or visible smoke or fire, residents should immediately exit their homes and call 9-1-1. Keep exits clear and accessible at all times and have a home fire escape plan. Anyone with questions about home fire safety should contact their local fire department or the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.

No further information is available at this time.

Initial News Release - 3:38 p.m., Nov. 20, 2024

WEARE, N.H. – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Weare Fire Rescue Chief Mark Roarick and Weare Police Department Chief Christopher Moore announce that two people are deceased following a residential fire.

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at approximately 10:44 a.m., the Weare Fire Department responded to 83 High Rock Road for a report of a building fire. When the first units arrived, they found smoke coming from a second story window. Once firefighters made entry into the home and extinguishing efforts were underway, they located two people who were determined to be deceased. 

The names of the victims are being withheld at this time. Autopsies are scheduled to be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Concord on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, to determine the cause and manner of death.

The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is active and ongoing by members of the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office, Weare Fire Department and the Weare Police Department. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office at (603) 223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov. 

The Weare Fire Department was assisted by the Weare Police Department, Goffstown Fire Department, Dunbarton Fire Department, Henniker Fire Department, and the Capitol Area Mutual Aid Chief Coordinator.

State Fire Marshal Toomey would like to remind everyone of the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes. In the event of an alarm activation or visible smoke or fire, residents should immediately exit their homes and call 9-1-1. Keep exits clear and accessible at all times and have a home fire escape plan. Anyone with questions about home fire safety should contact their local fire department or the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.

No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as appropriate.