brattleboro.gov
103 Elliot Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
802-254-4831
On Friday, November 8, Station Two was dispatched at 14:34 hours to the area of 357 Melchen Road for a reported power line down. Engine 1 arrived in the area to report a power line down in the woods with a brush fire. Crews reported 1-2 acres burning and requested to upgrade to a first alarm. The fire spread quickly due to high winds, and the incident was upgraded to three alarms.
The response involved all Brattleboro Fire units and staff, as well as personnel, brush trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and tankers from neighboring departments, including from Guilford, Dummerston, Putney, Westminster, Halifax, Newbrook, Townshend, Wilmington, Keene, Spofford, Walpole, Chesterfield, Westmoreland, North Walpole, Swanzey, and Greenfield. Chesterfield, Walpole, Westminster, and Cheshire EMS provided coverage for the Brattleboro stations.
Crews battled the brush fire on steep terrain, very dry conditions, and high winds. They established fire lines to have the fire jump the line multiple times. Crews continued their efforts and, at 20:28 hours, reported they had surrounded the fire. A crew of six Brattleboro personnel stayed on the scene all night.
Crews from Brattleboro Fire, the Brattleboro Department of Public Works, Guilford, Putney, Halifax, Dummerston, Westminster, Hinsdale, Greenfield, and Vermont Forestry arrived on the scene at 07:30 hours on the morning of Saturday, November 9 to finish extinguishing the fire and to cut multiple trees. The fire was reported under control at 15:12 hours on Saturday. Crews assessed the area on Sunday morning to find a few smoldering spots. In total, the fire covered 10.5 acres.
The Brattleboro Fire Department extends its thanks to its neighbors who provided equipment and food.
Separately, the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation has extended its ban on burn permits for Bennington, Rutland, Windham and Windsor Counties. The ban will remain in effect through November 18, 2024. This order may be revoked sooner on a statewide basis, or on a county-by-county basis, depending upon the fire danger and weather conditions.
Brush Fire Contained, State’s Burn Ban Extended to Nov. 18
Date: November 11, 2024
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