On Friday, August 15th at 4:52 a.m., Engine 1 and Ambulance 1, under the command of Acting Officer Piscitelli, were dispatched by Grafton County Dispatch to investigate a report of smoke.

The caller, traveling southbound on Interstate 93 near mile marker 123, reported seeing heavy black smoke rising toward the mountains. Littleton Police Department also responded, and a coordinated search began. Dense fog and a temperature inversion complicated visibility during the investigation.

To aid in locating the source, Littleton Police deployed a drone. On its second launch from Farr Hill Road, the fire was identified at 222 Fox Ridge Road, where Engine 1 arrived to find two vehicles and an outbuilding fully involved. Dispatch upgraded the incident to a General Alarm, bringing Tanker 1 along with Cars 1 and 2 to the scene. The fire had likely been burning unnoticed for an extended period.

Firefighters attempted to contact occupants of the residence by knocking on the door but received no response. Shortly afterward, a man was seen inside watching crews work. He was identified by police as David Reinhard. When officers attempted to speak with him, Reinhard assaulted a police officer. After a brief struggle, he was taken into custody.

During station coverage, a Littleton firefighter suffered a serious medical emergency and was immediately transported by fellow firefighters to Littleton Regional Healthcare. The firefighter was treated and later released that same afternoon.

Chief Miller commented: “This incident underscores how dangerous and unpredictable seemingly simple calls can be. What began as a smoke investigation escalated into a suspicious fire, the assault of a police officer, an arrest, and a firefighter medical emergency. Our first responders showed professionalism, resilience, and teamwork in managing a rapidly evolving situation.”

Reinhard was arrested on an outstanding warrant, breach of bail conditions, simple assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest. He was denied bail and remains in custody. Additional charges related to the fire are pending under RSA 227-L.

Littleton Fire units cleared the scene after approximately two hours.