February 13, 2026 — At 2:03 p.m., the Effingham NH Fire/Rescue and Action Ambulance were dispatched to Oak Avenue for a reported building fire, prompting an automatic first alarm that brought mutual aid from Wakefield, West Ossipee, Freedom, Kezar Falls, Center Ossipee, and Newfield, while Madison Fire provided station coverage. Effingham Car 1 and Engine 4 arrived on scene at 2:08 p.m. to find a single-story residential structure fully involved with partial collapse and exposure threats to two nearby buildings. Crews immediately deployed two hand lines and were able to knock down the bulk of the fire, successfully preventing extension into the neighboring structures. Firefighters from Effingham and assisting departments remained on scene until approximately 4:00 p.m. conducting overhaul and fully extinguishing hot spots. Officials reported that the home was deemed a total loss; however, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental. Department officials expressed appreciation to their mutual aid partners for their coordinated response and also thanked Ella’s at Nutter Farm for providing snacks and support to crews operating at the scene.