Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 3:56 PM – The Bartlett Fire Department was dispatched for reports of black smoke and flames near the Ripley Falls trailhead by the train tracks.

Forestry 1, Engine 2, and Engine 3 responded initially. Based on additional 911 calls, command requested mutual aid from Twin Mountain and Jackson. First-arriving crews discovered a pile of railroad ties fully involved, with fire spreading rapidly up and down a steep slope. The balance of the first alarm forestry response was requested.

Firefighters stretched approximately 1,000 feet of hose from the trailhead to the fire and shuttled water using engines from Twin Mountain, Bartlett, and Jackson. An estimated 8,000 gallons of water were used to extinguish the blaze.

Crews remained on scene for more than six hours to fully extinguish the fire. Bartlett firefighters planned to return the next day to check for hot spots.

The Bartlett Fire Department expressed its sincere appreciation to Twin Mountain Fire Rescue, Jackson Firefighter’s Association, New Hampshire Forests & Lands, and the U.S. Forest Service for their support in the extended operation.