February 27-2026 Franklin, NH. The Franklin and Tilton-Northfield fire departments along with automatic mutual aid tankers were dispatched to a two-story dwelling on Smith Hill Road at 10:28. The family lost their home Friday morning while attempting to thaw frozen pipes after several days of freezing temperatures. Franklin Deputy Fire Chief David Hall, said the homeowners were inside with five children, working on frozen pipes, when they discovered the house on fire. "They got everybody out," Hall said. "They didn't have good cell phone service here, so they had to drive away to call 911." By the time firefighters arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames. The home's remote location complicated the department's response. Since hydrants were about a mile and a half away, trucks had to shuttle water to maintain a steady supply. Deep snow around the property made the effort more difficult. Two dogs remain missing, and the fire displaced the family which was helped by the Red Cross. A Go-Fund Me page has been set up to help the family.