Woman Perishes in Nashua House Fire

Nashua – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Nashua Fire Chief Brian Rhodes and Nashua Police Deputy Chief Kevin Rourke announce that on January 12, 2022 at approximately 1:24 AM a call was received for a reported structure fire in a residential home located at 21 Mercury Lane. Nashua Fire Rescue and the Nashua Police Department responded to the scene and encountered a dwelling with heavy smoke and fire conditions. During suppression efforts, a victim was located in the residence deceased.

The NH Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim as 79-year-old Lorraine Malignaggi of Nashua, NH and has ruled the cause of death to be smoke inhalation and the manner of death to be accidental. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

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.

Any further inquiries can be directed to the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office-(603) 223-4289.