Stark Fire Victim Identified

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed the identity of the deceased victim in the Stark fire early Sunday as Michael Bussiere, 63, of Bow.

Bussiere’s cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation, and the manner of death was ruled accidental. The surviving victim, an adult female, remains hospitalized and is stable. The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is ongoing, according to a news release from the state Fire Marshal’s Office.

Just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, an adult female resident of 37 Montgomery Road in Stark reported a fire at the home to a neighbor, who called 911. Dispatchers learned that one person was still inside the home, as flames were spreading, the release said.

A neighbor attempted to enter the burning home to rescue the remaining occupant, but was unable to do so due to the growing fire. When firefighters arrived a few minutes later, the house was fully involved, with flames coming out of the doors and windows. Firefighters later reported they were unable to immediately enter the home due to the worsening conditions, according to the release.

Additional firefighters from Milan and Groveton responded to assist. Station coverage was provided by members of the Lancaster and Berlin fire departments.

After the fire was ultimately brought under control around 4:30 a.m., Mr. Bussiere and two dogs were found deceased in the home. The surviving victim was airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and assumed the lead of the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. At this time, the fire is not considered suspicious, and investigators believe a wood stove inside the home was a primary factor.

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