One person found dead inside burning Bethlehem home

BETHLEHEM - One person died Friday in a house fire in Bethlehem.

Firefighters got the call around 10:25 p.m. for a fire at 3457 Main St. where upon arrival they found significant fire and smoke coming from the first and second story a single-family home.

Once firefighters made entry and extinguishing efforts were under way, they located an individual who was determined to be deceased, according to a release sent out Saturday.

Positive identification of the victim as well as the cause and manner of their death is pending an autopsy that will take place at the State Medical Examiner's Office in Concord today.

The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is active and ongoing by members of the State Fire Marshal's Office, Bethlehem Fire Department and the Bethlehem Police Department. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the State Fire Marshal's Office at (603) 223-4289 or by email at fmo@dos.nh.gov.

Safety officials took the opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes. In the event of an alarm activation or visible smoke or fire, residents should immediately exit their home and call 9-1-1. Keep exits clear and accessible at all times and have a home fire escape plan. Anyone with questions about home fire safety should contact their local fire department or the NH State Fire Marshal's Office.