Tisbury Fire Department

Tisbury Fire Department Town of Tisbury Fire Department “We are absolutely at the mercy of a fire. The report contained two references related to the Fire Department. In 1894, Leovitt T.

There are no appliances for extinguishing fires in the place, and considering the frequency of terrible conflagrations, the apathy of our citizens upon this subject is one of the strangest things on record.”
Correspondent for the Gazette, 1873

The Beginning

According to Town Reports, the first mention of the Tisbury Fire Department was in 18

84. The fist was the sum of $2.00 for watching fires and labor and the second was Article 20 of the Town Report, to make appropriation and appoint a committee to purchase a suitable fire apparatus. The forming of the Tisbury Fire Department appears to be in response to the great fire of 1883, when on August 11th 40 to 60 acres of Tisbury burned from a fire that started on the north side of town resulting in the most destructive fire in the history of Martha’s Vineyard. For the next few years the town reports show minor activity, mostly related to the purchase of shovels, hoes and an axe. In 1889 the town report shows an expenditure of $50.00 for the rent of a room giving the Fire Department a place to hold meetings and store equipment. Norton, William Benchley, F. Horton Johnson and Norman Johnson were lists as the first Fire Engineers in the town of Tisbury. Today’s Fire Department

The Tisbury Fire Department provides fire protection, covering an area 6.56 square miles in size with an average elevation of 10 feet. The population is 3916 (2009 Census) resulting in a density of 597 people per square mile. The average population increase is approximately +4.3% every 10 years. In order to provide adequate fire protection for the town, the department is a call/volunteer department, equipped with (3) thee Engines, (1) one Ladder, (1) Rescue and (1) one Hazmat/Technical Rescue. All of which are housed in the new Emergency Services Facility located centrally in town at 215 Spring Street.

06/01/2026
05/14/2026
The Tisbury Firefighters Association announced they will be offering free CPR/AED and Stop The Bleed courses, with the g...
04/28/2026

The Tisbury Firefighters Association announced they will be offering free CPR/AED and Stop The Bleed courses, with the goals of increasing the number of people in the community prepared to react in an emergency, while simultaneously spreading awareness about the association’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament and Scholarship Fund.

Attached is the announcement, including course details and contact information.

04/19/2026

Overloading extension cords and power strips can cause a fire at home. Limit their use, and never plug one into another. If you have to use an extension cord outside, be sure it's rated for outdoor use and keep it away from water, snow, and ice. And always plug heavy appliances like air conditioners and space heaters directly into a wall outlet -- not a power strip or extension cord: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/electrical-fire-safety

Deputy Chief Marques C. Rivers received accreditation through the Massachusetts Fire Services Commission. Congratulation...
04/17/2026

Deputy Chief Marques C. Rivers received accreditation through the Massachusetts Fire Services Commission. Congratulations to Deputy Chief Rivers on this significant accomplishment. This is a big milestone for the Tisbury Fire Department.

04/16/2026

Ready to put your skills to the test?

The role of a Telecommunicator isn’t for everyone—it’s for those who stay calm when the pressure dials up. If you’re the person who stays cool under pressure and loves a challenge, we have the perfect "level up" for your career. Applying to be a Telecommunicator In Training with the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office involves a unique, customized critical skills challenge. Our innovative testing software simulates the high-stakes environment of emergency dispatch.

The Mission:
• Navigate maps in real-time.
• Process data while listening to vital info.
• Make the right call when it matters most.

Do you have what it takes? We’re waiting for you.

Take the first step here: www.dukescountysheriff.com/careers

Address

Vineyard Haven, MA
02568

Telephone

+15086848049

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