Fire destroys ranger station at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Milton

Paul Feely, The New Hampshire Union Leader, Manchester
·2 min read

Mar. 7—Firefighters from multiple communities in two states were busy battling a two-alarm fire this week that destroyed the ranger station and store at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort in Milton.

Town fire officials said someone in Lebanon, Maine, at Sewell Shores looking across Northeast Pond, called 911 just before 1 a.m. Tuesday and told a dispatcher at the Strafford County Communications Center that they could see flames over the trees, and what appeared to be multiple buildings on fire.

While crews were en route, someone from the campground called 911 to say the main building at the site was on fire.

Milton police also reported a glow visible from Townhouse Road.

At 1 a.m., fire crews arrived on scene and reported the main building, known as the ranger station, was well involved in fire and had collapsed. Fire had also reached additional buildings and utility infrastructure and a second alarm was struck, bringing firefighters from Middleton, New Durham, Lebanon and Acton.

Campground staff reported no one was in the building and everyone was accounted for. A defensive fire attack was started, with a tanker shuttle pulling water from the bridge near the Pineland Park Beach on Townhouse Road.

An estimated 30,000 gallons of water were used to bring the fire under control, Milton fire officials said. The ranger station (containing the campground's main office and store) was deemed a complete loss, fire officials said.

The state Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the incident.

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort issued a statement thanking Milton Fire-Rescue and and other departments for "their hard work and dedication while extinguishing the fire."

"Your bravery is honorable and we are beyond grateful for all of your help," the statement said. "Thankfully everyone is safe and nobody was harmed.

"To our campers — the fire was contained to one building so rest assured, we are already coming up with solutions and your 2024 camping experience will not be affected by this incident.

"We appreciate everyone for reaching out and kindly request your patience as we gather all necessary information."