Shortly after 1:00 p.m. on January 25, 2026, the Francestown, NH Fire Department was dispatched to a fire alarm activation on Main Street. Within a minute, the response was upgraded to a first alarm following a telephone report of an active fire. Command arrived within five minutes and reported heavy fire showing from a two-story residence, prompting a second alarm and a request for an additional ladder truck.

Mutual aid companies from surrounding communities responded as crews worked to contain the blaze. Firefighters operated in both defensive and offensive modes due to the significant fire load and the presence of a lithium-ion battery in the basement. As conditions worsened, a third alarm was struck, along with a special request for additional tankers to support water supply operations.

The incident unfolded at the onset of a major snowstorm, adding challenging conditions including heavy snowfall, subzero wind chills, and slick roadways. While crews battled the fire, mutual aid units also handled motor vehicle accidents in town and provided station coverage.