Two-Alarm Fire Destroys Historic Barn in Loudon, New Hampshire

A second-alarm fire destroyed a historic barn estimated to be approximately 200 years old as firefighters from several communities worked to contain the blaze and protect a nearby residence.

The fire occurred on October 27, 2026, on Presby Lane, off Route 129, in Loudon, New Hampshire. The incident was reported at approximately 1946 hours after a caller observed flames visible from Route 129 and notified authorities.

The Loudon Fire Department responded to the property, where a large barn was located at the top of a steep driveway next to the owner's residence. Firefighters encountered a working fire involving the barn, and a second alarm was transmitted to bring additional personnel and apparatus to the scene.

Mutual-aid departments from Chichester, Gilmanton, Northwood, Pittsfield, and Allenstown assisted with the response. The additional companies provided resources for fire suppression and other fireground operations as crews worked to contain the fire.

Access to the barn presented challenges because of its location on a hill and the steep driveway leading to the property. The fire also extended into nearby brush, creating an additional exposure concern for firefighters operating around the structure.

Establishing and maintaining an adequate water supply was an important part of the operation. Mutual-aid tankers were requested to shuttle water to the fireground, with water-supply operations continuing for several hours. The tanker shuttle supported suppression efforts as crews worked to control the fire and prevent further extension.

Firefighters operated handlines around the burning structure while additional personnel supported operations at the scene. With heavy fire involving the barn, crews concentrated on containing the blaze and protecting the adjacent residence and surrounding vegetation.

The barn sustained extensive damage and was ultimately destroyed. Despite its proximity to the burning structure, the owner's residence sustained no reported damage. Firefighters also worked to prevent the fire from spreading farther into the surrounding brush.

The incident required a coordinated response involving Loudon firefighters and mutual-aid companies from neighboring communities. The extended water-supply operation and the location of the barn added to the demands placed on responding personnel.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.