Dec. 27—A man died Thursday after a nearly five-hour standoff with police that ended when fire engulfed his home in Bradford in central New Hampshire, authorities said.
Police responded to a person in crisis at 21 W. Main St. in Bradford around 12:43 p.m. Officers found a man armed with a knife, said State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey.
Law enforcement officers from five neighboring communities tried to de-escalate the situation without success, authorities said in a news release. Around 5:30 p.m., officers saw smoke and flames coming from the home, they said.
Firefighters from nine departments arrived on site to battle the fire. After the fire was extinguished, investigators found the man’s body inside.
The body will be taken to the state medical examiner’s office for identification and to determine the cause of death. Authorities say the death does not appear suspicious.
The incident remains under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office, police and the Bradford Fire Department. Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 603-223-4289.
State Fire Marshal Toomey reminds anyone struggling with a mental health crisis that help is available. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988 offers free, confidential support 24/7.