A Nashua woman has been identified as the victim of a fatal apartment fire that broke out late Sunday night on Morgan Street.
Authorities said 46-year-old Stephanie D. Lemay was found inside a multi-unit residential building after firefighters responded to reports of a fire shortly after 11 p.m. on June 1.
According to state fire officials, crews arrived at 28 Morgan Street and worked to bring the blaze under control while searching the structure for occupants. During a secondary search of the building, firefighters located Lemay on the second floor.
Emergency responders were unable to save her.
An autopsy later determined that Lemay died from smoke inhalation, officials said. The death has been ruled accidental pending the completion of the investigation into the fire itself.
Images from the scene showed firefighters battling heavy smoke and flames outside the multi-family residence as emergency vehicles lined the street.
The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Nashua Fire Marshal’s Office are jointly investigating the cause and origin of the fire. As of Monday, investigators had not publicly released information regarding what may have sparked the blaze.
Community Reacts as Questions Remain About Cause of Fire
News of Lemay’s death quickly spread throughout the Nashua community, prompting expressions of sympathy from residents following reports released by local media outlets.
While officials have confirmed the victim’s identity and cause of death, many details surrounding the incident remain under review. Investigators continue to examine the scene and gather evidence to determine how the fire started.
Fatal residential fires serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by smoke, which can become life-threatening within minutes during a structure fire.
Fire safety experts routinely encourage residents to maintain working smoke alarms, establish evacuation plans, and respond immediately when alarms sound.
The Morgan Street fire marks a tragic loss for those who knew Lemay and for the broader Nashua community.
Friends, neighbors, and family members are expected to mourn her passing while awaiting additional information from authorities regarding the circumstances that led to the deadly incident.
Officials have not announced whether any other residents were injured or displaced as a result of the fire. The investigation remains active, and further updates may be released as investigators complete their findings.
Anyone with information that could assist authorities is encouraged to contact local officials as the inquiry continues.
