Victim of Milton Residential Fire Identified

December 8, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

MILTON, N.H. — The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has identified the victim of the December 6 residential fire in Milton as Lenda A. Jennings-Routier, 70, of Milton. The cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation, and the manner of death was ruled accidental. The investigation into the cause and origin of the fire remains ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.

This follows the initial report issued on December 6. At 8:45 a.m. that morning, members of the Milton Fire Department responded to a reported fire at 285 Willey Road. The 911 caller, who had been inside the home when the fire began, reported that another occupant was trapped.

Fire crews encountered access challenges due to an uncleared driveway and met heavy fire conditions throughout the two-story residence. As responders prepared to enter, the second floor collapsed, making the structure unsafe. After the fire was extinguished, investigators and fire personnel located a deceased individual inside the home.

Agencies from multiple surrounding communities assisted the Milton Fire Department in extinguishing the fire. Investigators with the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and are leading the investigation, with support from the Milton fire and police departments.

Officials remind residents that in the event of a fire, it is critical to get out and stay out, and to keep driveways and walkways cleared of snow and ice to ensure responders can access the home.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office at 603-223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.

Credit: New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office