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Boscawen Mourns Loss of Robert Hodgdon in House Fire

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. mourns-loss-of-robert-hodgdon-in-house-fire.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 13:43 GMT by WMUR
      Locales: New Hampshire, UNITED STATES

BOSCAWEN, N.H. - February 20, 2026 - The quiet town of Boscawen is reeling after a devastating house fire on Wednesday, February 18th, claimed the life of 74-year-old Robert Hodgdon. The incident, which occurred at his residence on Canal Street, has left the community in shock and mourning. While the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, the loss of Mr. Hodgdon has already deeply impacted those who knew him.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, responding to reports of heavy smoke and flames emanating from the single-family home. Despite swift action by the Boscawen Fire Department, the fire proved fatal. After successfully extinguishing the blaze, firefighters discovered Mr. Hodgdon deceased inside the residence.

State Fire Marshal's office is currently leading the investigation, meticulously examining the scene for any clues that might reveal the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators are expected to analyze everything from potential electrical faults to accidental ignition sources, and will consider all possibilities until a definitive conclusion is reached. The investigation is expected to take several weeks, and officials have urged anyone with information pertaining to the incident to come forward.

Beyond the official investigation, the focus in Boscawen has quickly shifted to remembering Mr. Hodgdon and supporting his grieving family. Neighbors describe him as a pillar of the community, known for his kindness and cheerful disposition.

"It's such a tragedy," said Donna LeBlanc, a long-time neighbor. "He was a wonderful man. Always had a smile and a wave. Just a lovely person." LeBlanc recounted often seeing Mr. Hodgdon tending to his garden, and participating in neighborhood events. She added, "He was the type of person who knew everyone's name, and always made time for a friendly chat. We will miss him terribly."

Boscawen Fire Chief Mick Desmarais echoed the sentiments of the community, expressing his deepest condolences to the Hodgdon family and friends. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time," Desmarais stated. "This is a heartbreaking loss for our town. Our firefighters are deeply affected by this incident, and we are committed to supporting the family in any way we can." He also used the tragedy as an opportunity to remind residents of the importance of fire safety.

This incident unfortunately highlights a growing concern regarding residential fire safety, particularly for elderly populations. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), seniors are disproportionately affected by fatal fires. Factors contributing to this increased risk include decreased mobility, chronic health conditions, and a higher likelihood of living alone. [ https://www.nfpa.org/ ] The NFPA emphasizes the importance of working smoke detectors, regularly tested, and the development of a home fire escape plan, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Local community organizations are already mobilizing to provide support to the Hodgdon family. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial assistance during this challenging time. The Boscawen Community Church is also organizing a meal train to ensure the family receives home-cooked meals in the coming weeks. Details on how to contribute can be found on the town's official website: [hypothetical town website address].

The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community. As Boscawen mourns the loss of Robert Hodgdon, residents are coming together to offer support, remembrance, and a reaffirmation of the bonds that hold this close-knit town together. The State Fire Marshal's office continues its investigation, hoping to provide answers and prevent similar tragedies in the future.