Manchester, NH (January 1, 2026) – A deadly three-alarm fire ripped through a multi-story apartment building at 567 Union St overnight, leaving one person dead, one critically injured, and at least seven others hospitalized. The fire, which began shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day, prompted a massive response from Manchester Fire Department and surrounding agencies as multiple residents were reported trapped inside.
The first 911 call came in at 12:38 a.m. on January 1, 2026. Fire Alarm advised responding crews that people were trapped on various floors of the structure. On arrival, fire companies encountered heavy flames on the third and fourth floors, with fire extending to the roof. Occupants were visibly stranded on balconies and leaning from windows. One individual jumped from a second-floor balcony to escape the smoke and flames, while others were rescued via aerial ladders and bucket trucks operated by Truck Companies 1 and 7.
Rescue 1 and other first-arriving crews immediately went into full rescue mode. While some teams advanced charged hoselines to contain the fire, others removed occupants through ladders, stairwells, and window rescues. In a particularly urgent moment, firefighters from Truck 6 and Truck 1 were able to locate and safely evacuate a child trapped in a fourth-floor bedroom. That child was lowered via an aerial device and turned over to waiting EMS teams.
By the time the third alarm was struck, mutual aid resources from Bedford and Derry had arrived to assist. The fire was officially brought under control at 1:50 a.m., though crews remained on scene for extensive overhaul and safety checks.
The fire claimed one life and left one person in critical condition. Seven others were transported to local hospitals for treatment of smoke inhalation, burns, and other injuries. No firefighter injuries were reported.
Roughly 40 individuals lived in the affected residence. Many were able to take temporary shelter at the First Baptist Church located across the street at 536 Union St. The American Red Cross arrived to assist 10 displaced families with shelter, supplies, and recovery assistance.
Multi-Alarm Structure Fires and Residential Safety
Fires in multi-occupancy structures—particularly overnight—pose some of the highest risks to civilian life. This tragic event on Union St underscores how quickly a fire can escalate in an older or densely populated building, especially when residents are asleep and fire has already extended through multiple floors before detection.
In this case, the need for ladder rescues, aerial devices, and rapid multiple-alarm escalation shows the scale of the threat and the heroic efforts of Manchester’s firefighters. Successful rescues from upper-floor windows and balconies, including the safe extraction of a child from the fourth floor, demonstrate the life-saving impact of quick response and specialized training.
Sadly, not all lives could be saved. Fatalities in apartment fires often result from smoke inhalation, delayed evacuation, or difficulty accessing exits. These tragedies reinforce the importance of working smoke detectors, clear fire escape routes, and community fire prevention initiatives.
For those who lived through this fire, the road to recovery will be long. Many have lost homes, belongings, and peace of mind. Immediate resources like emergency shelter and medical care are just the beginning.
If you or someone you know was affected by this fire, Local Accident Reports is committed to providing up-to-date information and connecting victims with the support they need—from temporary housing to legal and medical resources. Contact Local Accident Reports today to take the first steps toward healing and recovery after this devastating event.
