Colchester Fire Department

05/19/2026

Last week was National Police Week, and although we missed the opportunity to recognize it at the time, we want to take a moment to thank the dedicated members of the Colchester Police Department and all law enforcement officers for their service, professionalism, and commitment to protecting our community each day.

This week, we also recognize National EMS Week and extend our appreciation to our partners at Colchester Rescue Squad as well as the EMS providers within the Colchester Fire Department. Thank you for the compassionate care, dedication, and lifesaving service you provide to our community 24/7.

05/18/2026

Mutual Aid Response - Milton, VT

At approximately 4:00 AM this morning, May 18, 2026, the Colchester Fire Department was requested to provide mutual aid assistance to the Town of Milton for a reported structure fire.

Colchester responded with an engine company, and crews assisted Milton firefighters on scene with overhaul operations following the main fire knockdown.

05/17/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Vehicle into Building - South Park Drive

At approximately 7:00 a.m. on May 17, 2026, the Colchester Fire Department, Colchester Rescue Squad, and Colchester Police Department were dispatched to 33 South Park Drive for a reported motor vehicle collision involving a vehicle into a building, injuries and hazards unknown.

Upon arrival, crews discovered a pickup truck had traveled completely into the structure, causing moderate structural damage to the building. The operator of the vehicle was able to self-extricate prior to emergency personnel arrival, and all occupants of the building safely evacuated without injury.

Due to the extent of the structural damage, representatives from the Vermont Division of Fire Safety and the VT USAR TF1 team were requested to respond and assist with the incident. Emergency crews secured utilities to the building to ensure scene safety while the vehicle was removed from the structure.

Following evaluation and coordination with the Division of Fire Safety, the building was turned back over to the property representative.

For all inquiries please contact:
Assistant Chief Christopher Brown
[email protected]

05/10/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Motor Vehicle Accident - Colchester Point Road

At approximately 9:44 a.m. this morning, the Colchester Fire Department, Colchester Rescue Squad, and Colchester Police Department were dispatched to Colchester Point Road for the report of a single-vehicle motor vehicle crash involving a utility pole, with initial reports indicating the vehicle was on fire. While units were responding, dispatch advised that the operator was still inside the vehicle. A subsequent update confirmed the occupant had been able to self-extricate prior to emergency personnel arriving on scene.

Crews arrived to find a single vehicle resting on its side with one occupant outside of the vehicle. It was determined the vehicle was not on fire. Responders also found a utility pole completely severed at the base as a result of the collision. Due to the extent of the damage, multiple nearby residences sustained utility-related damage from wires being pulled from the homes.

The Fire Department remained on scene until Green Mountain Power was able to isolate power to the affected area and secure the scene. Once utilities were secured, crews mitigated remaining hazards associated with the vehicle and the scene was turned over to Green Mountain Power personnel.

Colchester Point Road remained closed for an extended period of time while utility crews worked to restore power and repair infrastructure.

For any inquires please contact:
Assistant Chief Christopher Brown
[email protected]

05/10/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

**UPDATE**
Fire Department has turned scene over to Green Mountain Power. The road will remained closed while crews work to remove power lines and fix broken power poles. No further updates will be provided.

Colchester Point Road between the intersections of Porters Point Road and Red Oak Drive will be closed for an extended period of time due to a motor vehicle accident involving power lines down in the roadway. Please avoid the area.

05/05/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

**UPDATE**
Roadway is back open both directions.

Severance Road near Oak Terrace is closed in both directions due to a motor vehicle accident.

05/02/2026

PUBLIC EVENT - Colchester, VT

We had a great time this morning attending the Colchester Parks & Recreation Touch a Truck event. Our crews enjoyed the opportunity to showcase our fire trucks, answer questions, and meet so many members of the community. Events like this are a great way to connect with residents of all ages, share a little about what we do, and let everyone explore the apparatus up close. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, we truly appreciate the continued support and look forward to seeing you at future community events.

05/02/2026

04/28/2026

Burn Permit Notice – Colchester Fire Department

**Update**
Burn permit ban has concluded, permits will now be issued.

Due to the Very High Fire Danger rating for our area, as determined by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, the Colchester Fire Department will not be issuing burn permits until further notice.

Additionally, all previously issued open burn permits are hereby suspended and void until further notice.

These precautions are necessary to help protect our community, neighboring properties, and emergency responders during this period of elevated fire risk.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding. Please continue to monitor official department channels for future updates regarding burn permit status.

04/14/2026

TRAINING HIGHLIGHT:

Last night, members of the Colchester Fire Department participated in our annual Physical Agility Test, an important component of maintaining operational readiness and ensuring our personnel are prepared for the physical demands of the job.

This test is designed around real-world firefighting tasks and provides our members with a clear understanding of the endurance, strength, and mental focus required while operating on an emergency scene. Firefighting is a physically demanding profession, and training like this helps ensure we are ready to perform when our community needs us most.

The course consisted of multiple stations, including:
• Donning full protective equipment, including a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• Raising a ground ladder
• Ascending and descending a ladder while carrying a tool
• Operating a sled to simulate forcible entry and or ventilation using a sledgehammer or axe
• Advancing and operating a charged hose line for 100 feet and hitting a designated target
• Carrying two firefighting saws for 80 feet
• Dragging a 185 lb mannequin for 80 feet to simulate victim removal