“The home owner entered [a] rescue truck and suddenly drove around E3 [another truck], nearly striking two firefighters and narrowly missed pinning a third firefighter between the two large trucks.”

Dalton Fire & Rescue said the vehicle then collided with another appliance and a small pickup truck as it forced its way onto the road.

Police allege Roman drove over multiple water supply lines used to fight the blaze. Fire officials said two charged fire hoses were run over but escaped damage.

Authorities allege the vehicle caused damage to a firefighter’s personal vehicle and damaged neighbouring properties, including wooden fences at two separate addresses.

The incident ended several miles from the fire scene after a member of the public reported the stolen fire truck had crashed on their property. State police said the resident saw Roman trying to steal items from a porch.

Police arrived and found Roman at the property. Police said he was initially unco-operative but was eventually taken into custody.

Roman faces multiple charges, including three felony counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, burglary and two counts of theft by unauthorised taking, according to the New York Post.

He has also been charged with several misdemeanours, including obstructing government administration, resisting arrest, conduct after an accident and driving over a fire hose without consent.

Despite the damage sustained during the incident, Whitefield’s truck remained operational and crews were able to extinguish the fire. The house, however, was destroyed.

“The house was a complete loss,” Dalton Fire & Rescue said, adding that investigators from the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office are examining the cause of the blaze.

“We are extremely thankful that no firefighters were physically injured despite the close call.”