Victim Identified in Sandwich House Fire

Sandwich, New Hampshire – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Sandwich Fire Chief Ted Call and Sandwich Police Chief Shawn Varney announce that on August 4, 2022 at approximately 10:52 PM a call for service was received from a residential home located at 247 Bennett St. Stewart's Ambulance Service and Sandwich Fire Department responded, and upon their arrival, discovered the home well involved in fire. During suppression efforts, a victim was located in the residence, deceased.

At this time in the investigation, the cause of the fire appears to have been a lightning strike. The investigation remains ongoing.

The NH Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy on August 5, 2022. The victim was identified as Janet Brown, age 84. The cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation and the manner of death was accidental.

State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey would like to remind all citizens of the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. In the event of a fire, immediately exit your home and call 9-1-1. Keep exits clear of debris and have a home fire escape plan. Have your heating systems inspected and maintained on an annual basis and keep at least a three to five-foot clearance around any heating appliance from combustible materials. If you have any questions about fire safety in your home, please contact your local fire department or the NH State Fire Marshal's Office.

No further information will be released at this time. Anyone with information regarding the incident may contact the NH State Fire Marshal's Office at (603) 223-4289.