Rindge, N.H. — October 11, 2025 —On Saturday evening, firefighters from the Rindge Fire Department responded to two almost simultaneous incidents: a brush fire and an independent arson.

Firefighters responded to a reported brush fire measuring about 100 by 50 feet and rapidly spreading into neighboring woods at 8:05 p.m. on Old New Ipswich Road. The Jaffrey Fire Department provided an extra brush truck after being asked for mutual aid. It took about 2,000 gallons of water to put out the fire. Investigators concluded that negligent smoking material disposal was the most likely cause.

While crews were still engaged in mop-up efforts, a second call came in at 10:09 p.m. for a fire on Route 119 near Sun Cliff Road, where burning debris was reported in the roadway. Engine 2 and Rindge Police located and extinguished a tire fire positioned along the double-yellow center line.

Officials noted that these incidents occurred despite a statewide burn ban issued September 22 by Governor Ayotte, citing extremely dry conditions. The department called both incidents preventable and emphasized the risks posed by illegal burns and acts of arson during ongoing drought conditions. Contact the Rindge Police Department at 603-899-5009 or Fire Chief Rickard Donovan at 603-899-3324 if you have any information about these incidents.