By: Laura Soukkavong
Wakefield, NH — Emergency crews responded late Tuesday night to a reported structure fire at 224 Elm Street, prompting a large mutual aid response from surrounding communities.
At approximately 11:42 p.m., dispatchers received reports of a building fire, with neighbors indicating that all occupants had safely exited the home. A second caller reported that the front of the residence was fully engulfed in flames.
Within minutes, a first alarm assignment was struck, bringing in additional fire resources from multiple neighboring departments, including Ossipee Corner, Effingham, Acton, Newfield, Wolfeboro, Milton, and Center Ossipee. Tuftonboro Fire provided station coverage during the incident.
Wakefield Fire units, including multiple engines, rescue, ambulance, and command staff, responded to the scene. Upon arrival at approximately 11:54 p.m., crews encountered a fully involved 2½-story structure measuring approximately 40 by 30 feet, with an attached garage.
Firefighters quickly deployed multiple hose lines and began an aggressive defensive attack. At around 12:13 a.m., incident command reported a partial collapse of the structure, highlighting the intensity of the fire conditions.
Crews continued suppression efforts into the early morning hours, working to bring the fire under control. Mutual aid units began clearing the scene shortly before 2:00 a.m., while Wakefield crews remained on scene to overhaul and secure the property.
By approximately 2:38 a.m., most Wakefield units had returned to the station and began placing equipment back into service.
No injuries were immediately reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.