UPDATE Friday February 25th, 2025 9:15 p.m. 

FITZWILLIAM, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – A fire broke out at the Emerson Elementary School on Rhododendron Road in Fitzwilliam Friday evening.

According to the Southwestern New Hampshire Fire Mutual Aid live feed, the initial call for a box alarm came in at 7:19 Friday evening. It was upgraded to a second-alarm working fire at about 7:45.

Crews from several surrounding towns responded to assist Fitzwilliam fire crews on scene including Richmond, Troy, Keene, Rindge, Winchester, Jaffrey, Swanzey, and Marlborough, along with Royalston, Massachusetts.

At 9:00 Friday night scanner activity indicated that the fire was out and crews were remaining on scene for overhaul. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted at that time as well.

Fitzwilliam is part of the Monadnock Regional School District, which has yet to publicly comment on the incident. No word yet on the extent of the damage or the cause of the blaze.

This is a developing story, more information will be posted as it becomes available. See MyKeeneNow’s initial report below.

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Friday, February 25th, 2025 7:50 P.M.

Area fire crews are currently on scene of a fire at the Emerson Elementary School on Rhododendron Road in Fitzwilliam.

The blaze was first reported at 7:19 Friday evening according to Fire Mutual Aid, and was upgraded to a second-alarm working fire at about 7:45 according to scanner activity.

Crews from Rindge, Winchester, Jaffrey, and Cheshire County Ambulance were called to assist on scene at that time. Scanner activity indicated the Winchendon, Massachusetts ladder truck was out of service. Swanzey and Marlborough crews were called about five minutes later. Crews from Richmond, Troy, Keene, and Royalston, MA are on scene as well.

Water is being supplied from Laurel Lake.

According to New England 511 traffic is moving slowly on Route 119 through the area. Drivers should seek alternate routes.

At 9:00 scanner activity indicated that the fire is out and crews are remaining on scene for overhaul. The State Fire Marshal’s office was contacted as well.

This is a developing story. More information will be posted as it becomes available.