Crime & Safety

Victim in Fatal House Fire Identified

William Duguay, 55, of Raymond was killed Saturday.

Authorities said 55-year-old William Duguay was killed early Saturday morning in a fire at his Raymond home.

Duguay was using a charcoal grill for cooking or heating in his living room, and the heat lit some nearby material, authorities said. There were no smoke detectors inside.

Authorities said neighbors and first responders tried to enter the residence, but they were hampered by "a large amount of clutter inside the home that was blocking doors."

The State Fire Marshal's office released the following statement after the blaze:

"State Fire Marshal Degnan urges everyone to make sure that they have working smoke detectors on each level of their home and inside bedrooms. You have as little as three minutes to escape a fire after the smoke alarm sounds. Home fire sprinklers also save lives and reduce your risk of dying in a fire by 82%.

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As we enter heating season Degnan reminds all citizens that two of the leading causes of fire deaths in New Hampshire are unattended cooking and improper installation or maintenance of heating appliances in our homes. Always use listed heating equipment that is installed by a person qualified to do the work. Never leave combustible items within three feet of heating appliances."


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