Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal house fire on Burns Hill Road as Linda A. Anfuso, 69, of Wilton, according to the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Officials said Anfuso died from smoke inhalation, and her death has been ruled accidental. A 70-year-old man remains hospitalized in critical condition following the fire.
The fire was reported at 9:08 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, when a caller reported their home was filling with smoke. When Wilton firefighters arrived, they found a single-family home actively on fire and learned that two residents were still inside on the second floor.
Firefighters entered the home and carried both residents outside. They were transported to Elliot Hospital suffering from significant smoke inhalation. Anfuso was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into the fire’s origin and cause. While the fire is not currently considered suspicious, investigators are examining whether a power outage in the area at the time may have been a factor.
Wilton fire and police officials are assisting with the investigation. Fire departments from Lyndeborough, Milford, Mont Vernon, Greenville, Temple, New Ipswich and Peterborough also responded, along with Wilton Ambulance and the Souhegan Mutual Aid coordinator.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 603-223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.