Fire Damages Large Residence on Bittersweet Lane

January 23, 2026 — by Scanner Alerts Media

Atkinson, New Hampshire

A residential structure fire caused significant damage to a home on Bittersweet Lane Friday night, according to the Atkinson Fire Department.

At approximately 8:47 p.m., Atkinson Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 19 Bittersweet Lane, with initial reports indicating multiple occupants inside the home. On-duty personnel responded immediately with a two-person crew from Atkinson Fire Station and arrived on scene within minutes. Atkinson Car 1 arrived shortly afterward and assumed command. Automatic mutual aid was initiated through the Plaistow Emergency Communications Center in accordance with the department’s response plan.

Upon arrival, crews encountered a significant volume of fire and upgraded the incident to a second alarm, initiating an exterior fire attack. Firefighters quickly confirmed that all residents and a family pet had safely evacuated the home through a first-floor window with assistance from a neighbor. The occupants were evaluated by EMS on scene and declined further medical care.

Following an effective exterior attack, crews transitioned to interior operations. Firefighters encountered active fire conditions on all four floors of the residence, requiring multiple hose lines and a coordinated, sustained suppression effort. The fire was brought under control at approximately 10:15 p.m. Extensive salvage and overhaul operations followed, with all companies clearing the scene by 12:25 a.m.

Investigators determined the fire originated in an attached exterior storage area at the rear of the residence and extended into the main structure. The fire does not appear to be suspicious in nature.

Atkinson Fire personnel remained on scene overnight to provide fire watch until 7:30 a.m. Friday, when the residence was turned back over to the homeowners. The incident involved a large, approximately 3,341-square-foot home located at the end of a dead-end street and more than half a mile from the nearest water supply, requiring extensive resources and support from mutual aid partners.

No firefighter injuries were reported.

Multiple agencies assisted, including fire departments from Derry, Plaistow, Hampstead, Salem, Haverhill, Windham, Danville, Newton, Sandown, Chester, Brentwood, Methuen, and Kingston, as well as Plaistow ALS. Support services were provided by SENHMMAD, the Plaistow CERT Team, Atkinson DPW, and Atkinson Police.

Credit: Atkinson Fire Department