Early morning blaze claims life of Manchester resident

MANCHESTER - A Manchester fire early today claimed the life of an unidentified person who was found unconscious inside the dwelling.

The fire at 360 Leda Ave. was reported around 2:45 a.m. after witnesses observed fire coming from a first-floor window of a single-family cape style home. When Manchester firefighters arrived they entered the building and extinguish the fire. Life saving measures were attempted on the lone occupant, but the victim succumbed to their injuries.

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

The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is active and ongoing by members of the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Manchester Fire and Police departments.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the NH State Fire Marshal's Office at (603) 223-4289 or by email at fmo@dos.nh.gov.

State Fire Marshal Toomey would like to remind all citizens of the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. In the event of an alarm activation or visible smoke or fire,
immediately exit your home and call 9-1-1. Keep exits clear and accessible at all times and have a home fire escape plan. If you have any questions about fire safety in your home,
please contact your local fire department or the NH State Fire Marshal's Office.

No further information will be released at this time.