Department of Public Safety

Report of the STATE FIRE MARSHAL

OF KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE WHERE THEY LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

Michael Schirling Michael Desrochers Commissioner Executive Director Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety 2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal

Division of Fire Safety Mission For over 100 years our mission remains to protect the public and fire service through coordinated efforts in Code Enforcement, Fire Service Training, Public Education, Hazardous Materials Response, Fire Investigation and Urban Search and Rescue.

These efforts maximize life safety and property conservation and minimize environmental impacts due to fire, natural disasters, and other emergencies in the State of Vermont.

Table of Contents

Page Dedication 3

Commissioner’s Message 5 Division Director’s Message 6 The Impact of Fire in Vermont 7 Fire Deaths 10 VT Fire Facts 12 Firefighter Deaths and Injuries 16 Insurance Companies Dollar Loss from Fire 18 Division Highlighted Projects: 26 Overview of Division Activities Rules Codes and Standards Licensing, Variance Boards and Committees Fire and Building Safety Services Licensing and Certification State Fire Academy Public Education and Information 28- 41 Fire Incident Reporting and Data Management Highlighted Projects Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit State Hazardous Materials Response Team Division Special Operations State Urban Search and Rescue Team Rural Fire Protection Grant Program 41 2020 statewide Incident Data 43 Important Contact Information 51 Cautions on Interpretation The main data source for this report is the National Fire Incident Reporting system (NFIRS). While Vermont fire departments are required by state law to report to the Division, NFIRS is a voluntary system, and it includes data from only incidents reported and entered in the system by fire departments that participate. Additionally, not all fire departments that report to NFIRS provide complete data or report all incidents. In addition, fire departments that report in one year may not report the following year or report all the months in the year. Thus, NFIRS may not be a complete representative of all incidents that occur statewide in a year.

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 2 Micheal D. Greenia Stanley Baranowski Asst. State Fire Marshal / Public Education Michael Desrochers Asst. State Fire Marshal / Fire Section Chief/ Asst. NFIRS State Program Executive Director Investigator / NFIRS State Program Manager Manager Peter Lynch Robert Sponable, Patrick McLaughlin Chief, of Fire Training Deputy Director Chief, State Haz-Mat Response Team

Valerie Bowman Christina Tuzzo Bridgette Hutchinson Regional Assistant Regional Assistant Central Office Administrative Assistant

The Division thanks all the fire departments who participate in the NFIRS and others who provided information and data that make analysis possible. Their contributions allow us to estimate the size of the fire problem. We are also grateful to the US Fire Administration for its work in developing, coordinating, and maintaining the NFIRS. Dedication

Bruce Martin, Springfield Regional Manager Retires after 37 years of distinguished service The Division of Fire Safety said good-bye to a long-time veteran of the Division. A virtual retirement celebration for Bruce Martin was held on January 13, 2021 to recognize Bruce’s 37 years of devoted service and accomplishments to the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety.

Bruce’s career began in 1983 as an Assistant Fire Marshal and in 1998 Bruce was promoted to District Manager where he served in the role until 2021. Bruce was an active member of the Division’s Hazardous Material Response Team where he served as Crew Chief. If you worked with Bruce, you knew nothing made him nervous, he approached every emergency situation with a real sense of calm. Bruce was an active member of the School Crisis Team where he advocated for school safety.

Close to Bruce was his passion for propane and natural gas safety. Bruce was instrumental in developing a certification program for the gas industry to address carbon monoxide safety. Bruce conducted many tragic investigations over the years and was always seeking ways to make sure the incidents were not repeated. Bruce was the Division’s expert on propane and natural gas and was responsible for many safety initiatives that saved lives. If all this did not keep Bruce busy enough, he was very active in the creation of the Vermont/New Hampshire Carbon Monoxide Alliance bringing safety advocates together to strategize how to reduce the production of carbon monoxide in heating systems. Bruce was a very valued member of the fire safety family and his institutional knowledge and friendship will be truly missed.

Todd Cosgrove, Chief, Vermont Hazardous Material Response Team Ret. For those of you fortunate enough to have worked with Todd, you know what a profound impact he has had on emergency services across the State and even Canada. Todd made so many personal sacrifices during his distinguished career spanning 48 years. Todd’s fire service career began in 1972, serving as a volunteer firefighter on the Bakersfield Fire Department where he held the Chief’s position for 23 years and continues to volunteer as Assistant Chief.

Serving as a volunteer for 48 years speaks volumes to Todd’s passion and devotion to helping others in time of need. While serving as a volunteer in Bakersfield, Todd served in the National Guard for 27 years and retired from the guard in 2011. From 1977-2008 (31 Years) Todd worked at the IBM Plant in Essex Junction full time as an Emergency Responder and held the position of Deputy Chief of Operations. Everyone knows emergency operations at IBM is a high stress position and requires a vast technical knowledge of hazardous materials and firefighting tactics. If this did not keep Todd busy with accomplishments, we can add he was a well-respected lead instructor for the Fire Academy for 28 years and was a member of the Commission to create the Vermont Hazardous Material Response Team, where he has served as Chief of the Team since October 2015. Todd held other positions while advancing his knowledge to include: 3 years as a Homeland Security Training Coordinator for Public Safety, an Assistant State Fire Marshal, Division of Fire Safety for 3 years and was also the Chair of the State Emergency Response Commission. I would need a separate page to list all his credentials and certifications.

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 3 All emergency responders who answered their final alarm in 2020 And all Vermonters lost to COVID-19.

We will never forget in 2020, Vermont had no line of duty Firefighter deaths.

Flags are lowered to half-staff in honor of all Vermonters lost to COVID-19, as they are on the 19th of each month. The 19th was selected because the first two COVID-related deaths in Vermont were on March 19.

“as we remember those we’ve lost, let’s honor them by renewing our commitment to protect one another, to support one another and to listen to what the science and the data are telling us. If we do, we’ll get through these difficult times faster, and recover stronger, than any other state.”

Governor Phil Scott

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 4 State of Vermont Department of Public Safety

Commissioner’s Message

Having served in a variety of roles in public safety, it is an honor to serve in this role as Commissioner. This year, more than any in recent memory, the men and women who serve our communities in the fire service, emergency medical services, and law enforcement have helped to ensure that the fabric of our State has stayed strong. Through the majority of 2020 and now into 2021, the world has navigated a global pandemic for the first time in a century. Your service, bravery, and dedication have helped Vermont to weather this unprecedented storm stronger than almost any other State. As we move further into 2021 we do so with an optimism that our response and the science that has swiftly brought us defenses against Covid-19 will return our lives to normal in the foreseeable future.

Once again, this year’s Annual Report of the State Fire Marshal provides important information and data unique to Vermont that will benefit all firefighters. It also helps to inform our strategy as we move forward. Our collective efforts to modernize the way we serve our communities will continue as we confront ongoing challenges of an increasingly complex operating environment.

Finally, I want to once more extend sincere thanks to the entire Division of Fire Safety for their dedicated and consistent support of and partnership with the fire service and all emergency responders in Vermont. I remain proud to work alongside them each day.

On behalf of Governor Phil Scott and the entire Department of Public Safety, thank you for your service and for protecting all Vermonters, day and night Stay safe.

Michael Schirling, Commissioner, VT Department of Public Safety

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 5 Executive Director’s Message

The global pandemic has impacted every Vermonter personally and professionally. Adjusting to the science and data-based driven health and safety guidance navigated us into uncharted waters, where we were faced with many unknowns. When I reflect back on our experience, I can assure you, there was doubt we would all pull together to make sure Vermonters were kept safe. I am very proud of how the Department of Public Safety and the Division of Fire Safety responded to the Pandemic and how they support COVID operations. Thanks to all the essential workers and all of those who contributed to supporting the COVID-19 response. Are heartfelt condolences go out to all the families who lost loved ones to the COVID -19 Virus.

The Division of Fire Safety publishes the Report of the State Fire Marshal annually. The report is a statewide statistical analysis capturing fire and emergency incidents, fire prevention efforts, code enforcement, fire investigations, fire service training, urban search and rescue, and hazardous material response. Information contained in the report is designed to provide the fire service, municipalities, and others with valuable insight and perspective on the impact fire on the State of Vermont and the nation. Data collected may necessitate adjustments in our fire safety public education programs, code enforcement activities, building inspection prioritization, licensing, certification, fire service training, fire investigation and resource allocation. Identifying trends or emerging issues may necessitate changes in statute or rules to address safety concerns. The report provides a snapshot of the extensive work the division staff accomplish in partnership with the thousands of people we serve to make Vermont a safer place.

This report contains critical data from 44,225 individual emergency incident reports submitted by local fire departments throughout Vermont using the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). In 2020, 72% of the fire departments in Vermont participated in NFIRS reporting, Vermont fire departments respond to an average of 3,000 emergencies calls a month. The report provides a summary of fire loss, civilian fire injuries, fire fatalities, causes of fire, fire investigations, fire facts, fire service training programs, hazardous material response activities, public education and an overview of the Division of Fire Safety’s code enforcement program.

The significant gains we have made would not be possible without the hard work and devotion of our staff and support from the Commissioner, Administration, the Legislature and most importantly, the Vermont Fire Service. On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank all of those involved in supporting the mission of the Division of Fire Safety, Department of Public Safety.

Michael Desrochers, Division of Fire Safety, Executive Director

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 6 The Impact of Fire in Vermont

During 2020, VT fire departments reported responses to over 44,202 emergency incidents. Residential properties account for most Vermont structure fires and civilian fatalities.

While the fire problem varies across the country, there are several common contributing factors such as poverty, climate, education, code enforcement, demographics and other factors that influence the statistics.

Cooking fires and heating appliances continue to be the leading causes of structure fires in Vermont. Unattended cooking was the leading cause of cooking fires and casualties. Almost one-third of the people killed by cooking fires were asleep when the fire started. More than half of the non-fatal injuries occurred when people tried to control the fire themselves. A lead contributing factor to home heating fires is failure to clean creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment chimneys. The long cold Vermont winters put added stress on heating systems. Furthermore, fluctuating fuel prices can force people to use alternative heating sources that may not be safe. An improperly installed and maintained heating appliance is dangerous and can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or be the source of a fire.

2020 Vermont Structure Fires By Property Use Residential other 6% 1 & 2 Family Multi Family 7% Hotel / Motel 1 & 2 Family 55% 4% Board & Care Dormitory - Barracks 1% Assembly 1%

2% Educational

2% Multi Health Care - Correction Family , 1% 19% Mercantile, Business, Manf., Warehouse

2% Other Buildings . Leading causes of Vermont reported fires UNKNOWN 60

OPEN FLAME 24

SMOKEING 12

INTENTIONAL 19

ELECTRICAL 33

HEATING 60

COOKING 42

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 7 2020 Vermont Incident Data

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 8 2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 9 VERMONT Fire Deaths

Historically, Vermont has had a disproportionately high per capita fire fatality rate. The chart below shows the number of fire deaths spanning 20 years. Fire safety officials, fire departments and safety advocates contribute the overall reduction in fire deaths to the many fire prevention efforts in the State.

Although, the National and State fire death rates have decreased, the elderly and young children are stillt the mos vulnerable populations. Older adults have a greater risk of fire death than the overall population. In the past 5 years, 51.2% of Vermont’s fire deaths have been seniors over the age of 65.

Although young children are at greater risk of home fire death nationally, it is important to note between 2006 and 2016 Vermont did not experience a child fatality. Between 2017 and 2019 we experienced three child fatalities.

Vermont Fire Deaths 30

25 22

20 18

15 12 10 10 9 9 8 8 8 7 10 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 5 0 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Northeast States 2020 Fire Deaths

As reported by the U.S. Fire Administration

Massachusetts 27, Connecticut 17, Maine 16, New Hampshire 12, Rhode Island 7, Vermont 6

Pennsylvania 134, New York 114, New Jersey 34, Delaware 7

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 10 Vermont Fire Deaths by Type of Incident - 5 years (2015 -2020) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 5 - year Total Heating Equipment 3 0 4 0 1 8 Cooking 0 1 0 0 1 2 Smoking Materials 1 1 1 1 0 4 Open Flame 1 2 0 1 0 4 Explosion 0 0 2 0 0 2 Electrical 1 1 0 0 1 3 OTHER equipment 0 0 0 3 0 3 CO 2 0 0 0 0 2 Undetermined 6 5 2 0 3 16 Homicide 0 0 1 0 0 1 Totals 12 10 10 5 6 45

Vermont Fire Deaths by Age over the last 10 years (2010 – 2020) Total Age group Age Deaths % Neonatal (0 -1 mo) 0 0% Childhood Infancy (2 - 23 mo) 1 2.3% (0 - 12) Preschool Age (2 - 5) 1 2.3% School Age (6 - 12) 1 2.3% Teen Adolescence (13 - 17) 0 0 Young Adulthood (18 - 29) 1 2.3% Adulthood Thirties (30 - 39) 4 9% (18 +) Middle Age (40 -50) 4 9% Middle Age (51- 65) 16 36% Aged (66 - 84) 8 18.1% Senior Aged (85+) 4 9% Unknown 4 9% 44 Male 20 45.4% Female 22 50% Unknown 2 4.5%

Factors Commonly Associated with Fire Death Rates

Fire death rates vary considerably by state, the U.S. average was 11.7 deaths per million population. Higher state fire death rates are correlated with larger percentages of population who:

 Do not have working home safety devices - smoke and co alarms.  Have incomes below the poverty line.  Are adults without a high school diploma or equivalent.  Are current smokers.  Live in rural areas; and in older homes.  Are either African American or Black or are Native American or Alaskan Native.  Are older adults.

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 11 Vermont Characteristics and Fire Facts

 Vermont has 232 active fire departments  Vermont is one of the states with the largest number of firefighters and fire departments per capita.  72% of all of Vermont Fire Departments reported incidents to the NFIRS in 2020  Vermont and Maine are considered the most rural states in the nation.  Vermont is the second least-populated state in the USA.  Vermont’s housing stock is dominated by older, owner-occupied homes. It is the second oldest in the nation behind Maine. About 44% of the housing stock is comprised of year-round, owner occupied homes built before 1950. A third of all rental and owned homes in the state were built before 1950

 Vermont is the only state in the country that does not have a single building taller than 124 feet  Heat from a fire rises at 90 feet per second or approximately 60 mph and doubles in size every minute.  Fire kills more Americans than all-natural disasters combined.  Vermont is tied with New Hampshire for the 3rd oldest median age in the nation. 42.9 years % of Population Over 65: 20.0% % of Population Under 18: 18.3%  Vermont is the seventh coldest State in the United States.  Vermont ranks first in the nation for its per-capita use of wood for heat, with at least one in six Vermont households use wood products as their primary heating source.  Over 44,225 Vermont emergency incidents were reported in 2020  Vermont has almost one half of the total dairy farms in all of New England.  Chances your household will have a reported home fire in an average lifetime: 1 in 4  Chances that someone in your household will suffer a fire injury in an average lifetime: 1 in 10  Households can expect to average a home fire every 15 years or five fires in an average lifetime.

 The Vermont State Fire Marshal’s Office was organized over 100 years ago in 1919.

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 12 Firefighter Deaths and Injuries Firefighter fatalities in the United States – 2019 Report: NFPA's "Firefighter Fatalities in the United States - 2019" Author: Rita F. Fahy, Jay T. Petrillo, and Joseph L. Molis Issued: July 2020

Firefighting is a dangerous profession, and a growing body of research and data show the contributions that job-related exposures have in chronic illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease, and in behavioral health issues that may end in suicide. These deaths and injuries are in addition to the incident-specific deaths and injuries that occur while on-duty. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently undertook two large studies focused on firefighter cancer and concluded that firefighters face a 9 percent increase in cancer diagnoses, and a 14 percent increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general population in the U.S. NIOSH has also reported on the risk to firefighters of cardiovascular conditions. Firefighter suicides are tracked by the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance.

Each year, NFPA collects data on all firefighter fatalities in the U.S. that resulted from injuries or illnesses that occurred while the victims were on-duty. The NFPA produces a report of the information. This report analyzes the types of duty associated with firefighter deaths, the cause and nature of fatal injuries to firefighters, and the ages of the firefighters who died.

Report highlights

2019 was a year of historic milestones: Lowest annual death toll (48 deaths) Lowest number of volunteer firefighter fatalities (25 deaths) Lowest number of deaths on the fire ground (13 deaths; 10 in structures and 3 on wildland fires) Lowest number of sudden cardiac deaths (22 deaths)

Vermont had no line of duty fire fighter deaths in 2020

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes several reports and standards, as well as providing a great deal of information related to firefighter safety issues. Additional details and this full report is available at NFPA Research, Data and Analytics Division 1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02169-7471 www.nfpa.org

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 13 Name Fire department Location Date of death Dana H. Fuller Bellows Falls Fire Department Bellows Falls Vermont 1981 Terry B. Brown Bellows Falls Fire Department Bellows Falls, Vermont 1981 David L. Anderson Norwich University Fire Brigade, Northfield ,Vermont 1984 Matthew R. Baran Norwich University Fire Brigade, Northfield ,Vermont 1984 Patrick J. DeKramer Norwich University Fire Brigade Northfield ,Vermont 1984 Richard M. Barron Rutland City Fire Department Rutland Vermont 1984 David Christopher Winot Newbrook Fire Department Vermont 1987 Robert B. Costine Stamford Volunteer Fire Department Stamford Vermont 1988 Robert L. Parker East Montpelier Volunteer Fire Department East Montpelier, Vermont Mar 30, 1991 Gordon A. Champney Bolton Volunteer Fire Department Bolton, Vermont Mar 16, 1992 Maurice J. Wardwell Procter Fire Department Procter, Vermont Jan 23, 1994 Floyd C. Birchmore Addison Fire Department Vergennes, Vermont Aug 8, 1996 Eugene P. McDonough St. Johnsbury Fire Department St. Johnsbury, Vermont Sep 5, 1998 Charles P. Frank, III West Weatherfield Fire Department Perkinsville, Vermont Nov 8, 1998 Phillip M. Pinkowski, Jr. Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department West Rutland, Vermont Apr 12, 1999 Edward A. Russ Bethel Volunteer Fire Department Bethel, Vermont Dec 11, 2000 Clarence F. Birchmore Whiting Fire Department Whiting, Vermont Mar 16, 2002

Bruce H. Young Middlebury Fire Department Middlebury, Vermont Mar 9, 2003 John "Jack" P. Horton Marlboro Volunteer Fire Company Marlboro, Vermont Aug 6, 2009 Charleston Volunteer Fire Kenneth E. Frizzell Jr. East Charleston, Vermont Aug 30, 2009 Department

Peter J. Coe Shoreham Volunteer Fire Department Shoreham, Vermont Dec 27, 2009

Steven N. Costello Burlington Fire Department Burlington, Vermont Jul 30, 2010 Justin R. Beebe USDA Forest Service - Lolo National Forest Interagency Hotshots 2016

Steven L. Lapierre Georgia Volunteer Fire Department Saint Albans, Vermont May 5, 2016

Casey S. Kuhns Morrisville Fire Department Morrisville, Vermont Feb 28, 2018

National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Constructed in 1981, the 7-foot stone monument features a sculpted Maltese Cross, the traditional symbol of the fire service. An engraved plaque on the monument bears a message from President Ronald W. Reagan. At the base of the monument an eternal flame symbolizes the spirit of all firefighters — past, present, and future. Plaques encircling the monument list the names of the men and women of the fire service who have died in service to their communities since 1981. Whenever a firefighter dies in the line-of-duty, fire officials post a notice of the death at the monument and lower flags at the site to half-staff. https://www.firehero.org/

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 14 Insurance Companies Reported Dollar Loss from Fire

Dollar Loss from Fire - The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) provides a large amount of information on fires and other types of incidents fire departments respond to, including causes of fire, property loss, injuries and death. NFIRS provides the big picture however, more specific information on property loss is obtained separately through a survey of insurance companies.

The NFIRS and insurance company data compiled in the table is for 2012 through 2019 and reflects the significant impact of the property loss in Vermont. What the figures don’t show is the additional loss in wages to employees who are out of a job after a fire, the loss in tax revenues to municipalities when a building is burned, the loss of business in a community when a business is forced to close after a fire or the cost of health care for the treatment of fire and burn injuries.

Estimated Insurance Reported Dollar Fire Fires Dollar Loss by Companies Fire Claims Loss by Departments Reported Fire Reporting/ Reported Insurance Year Reporting Departments Total Companies

2012 194 2,233 $ 17,840,192 860 839 $ 44,510,095

2013 194 2,116 $ 26,485,951 615 878 $ 50,911,724

2014 228 2,114 $ 30,412,139 615 1,130 $ 50,589,356

2015 230 2,198 $ 25,112,224 606 939 $ 45,574,673

2016 228 3,138 $16,919,906 644 706 $ 57,098,292

2017 172 2,458 $ 21,029,493 615 1,104 $ 54,359,205

2018 170 1,708 $ 22,628,798 611 844 $ 57,204,711

2019 157 2,302 $ 21,511,729 557 669 $ 68,006,719

2020 168 2,678 $17,889,976 Data not currently available

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 15 Rules, Codes and Standards

Since 1962, the State of Vermont Division of Fire Safety has adopted nationally recognized safety standards to protect the public. Through this process, Vermont benefits from the research and advanced fire safety experience of experts from across the nation.

The existing 2015 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code incorporates editions of the NFPA & ICC codes and standards. The Division of Fire Safety amends the national standards only when necessary to address conditions specific to Vermont. Currently the division is in process of reviewing revised editions of the codes for adoption.

Primary Adopted Codes and Standards Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code 2015 edition NFPA 101 Life Safety Code - National Fire Protection Association 2015 edition

NFPA 1 Fire Code - National Fire Protection Association 2015 edition

IBC International Building Code – International Code Council 2015 edition

NBIC National Board Inspection Code, - National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors 2015 edition Vermont Electrical Safety Rules 2017 edition NFPA 70 National Electrical Code- National Fire Protection Association 2017 edition Vermont Access Rules 2012 edition ADA Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Standards 2010 edition Elevators Safety Rules 2014 edition ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators 2013 edition ASME A17.3 Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators 2011 edition ASME A18.1 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts 2011 edition Vermont Plumbing Rules 2018 edition

IPC International Plumbing Code – International Code Council 2018 edition

If you have any code questions, please contact: The Regional Office in your area Or visit firesafety.vermont.gov/ContactUS for contact information

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 16 Licensing, Boards and Committees

Licensed and certified trade professionals play a significant role in protecting Vermonters by following adopted rules and standards and ensuring building equipment and systems are safe. Over the years, professional trade groups have contributed to the reduction of fire related fatalities and injuries Vermont.

The Division of Fire Safety administers licensing and certification programs for construction trade groups to ensure our trade professionals maintain a high level of technical knowledge. Trade professionals are required to meet minimum qualifications in their respective field for licensure and or certification renewal including, obtaining continuing education to keep current with code changes and emerging technology.

This year, in Response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Governor Scott signed into law Act 100 extending electrical and plumbing licenses due to expire after March 30 to September 30, 2020. Commissioner Schirling extended all certifications due to expire after March 30 to September 30. The Division of Fire Safety recognizes some trade professionals are struggling to obtain continuing education credits for license renewal because face to face classes were cancelled, or online classes were not obtainable. The Division continues to work tirelessly to stand up more on-line classes to provide the trade professionals with a wider range of continuing education opportunities

If you have any questions about the program, contact: Division of Fire Safety Licensing Specialist: My-Lanh Graves (802-479-7564) [email protected] 1311 U.S. Route 302, Barre, VT 05641-2351

The Division furnishes administrative and technical support to numerous licensing boards as well as several emergency services committees. Division staff works regularly with representatives of the trade’s community and fire and rescue services on current issues, education and licensing matters. Electricians’ Licensing Board The Board consists of the Commissioner of Public Safety or a member of that Department designated by the Commissioner and four persons appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Board includes one licensed master electrician, one licensed journeyman electrician, one person associated with the public electrical utility industry who is knowledgeable in technical as well as operational issues of the electrical utility industry, and one person associated with the fire insurance industry. Elevator Safety Review Board The Elevator Safety Review Board is established within the Department, and shall consist of seven members, one of whom shall be the Commissioner or designee, one of whom shall be the Commissioner of Labor or designee, and five members to be appointed by the Governor as follows: one representative from a major elevator manufacturing company; one representative from an elevator servicing company; an owner or manager of a multistoried building, in which a conveyance is installed; an elevator inspector; and an individual who actually installs, maintains, and repairs conveyances. Access Board An access board is created consisting of ten members. The members of the board shall be the commissioner of public safety, or designee; the chair of the house committee on institutions, or designee; the chair of the senate committee on institutions, or designee; the commissioner of buildings and general services, or designee; the state historic preservation officer, or designee; and five members appointed by the governor, including an independent architect, a builder or contractor, and three individuals with disabilities representing organizations for persons with disabilities in this state, appointed by the governor. The governor shall also appoint one additional individual with a disability to act as an alternate for the three members with disabilities. The Plumbers’ Examining Board A Plumber's Examining Board shall consist of five members, one of whom shall be the Commissioner of Public Safety or designee and one of whom shall represent the Commissioner of Health or designee. The remaining three members shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. One of the appointive members shall be a master plumber, one shall be a journey plumber, and one shall be a public member not associated with the plumbing or heating trades. Vermont Fire Service Training Council The council provides standards for training and certification of firefighters. The Council shall consist of 12 members. The Commissioner of Labor, the Commissioner of Public Safety, the Director of Fire Safety, the Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation, the Secretary of Education, and the Commissioner of Health, or their designees, shall serve as ex officio members of the Council. Six members shall be appointed by the Governor for three-year terms.

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 17 Fire Dept. Incident Reporting and Data Management

Fighting Fire with Facts

The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) program was adopted in Vermont in 1983.

The NFIRS provides a large amount of information on fires and other types of incidents reported by fire departments. The reports provide the big picture and helps us provide information to decision makers and it helps to justify grants and fire service funding. We call this fighting fire with facts. Fire reporting by VT fire departments is required by state law. It is recommended that fire departments submit their data at monthly intervals. If no runs were made during the month, a report of "no activity" should be submitted to the state for the reporting period. Do not wait to send all your reports at the end of the year.

Program Contacts The state NFIRS team provides technical assistance, user training and data research management. Stanley Baranowski 802-479-7575 [email protected] Michael D. Greenia 802-479-7587 E-NFIRS [email protected] Maurice VanDemark In November 2020, NFIRS went through a system moderation 802-479-7565 [email protected] and up dat e named E-NFIRS. There is a new updated login page. Christina Tuzzo https://www.nfirs.fema.gov/NFIRSWeb/login 802-786-0078 [email protected] If you have not registered in the new system or are unsure of the username, or password, you can enter your email address in the “Forgot username?” or “Forgot password” fields, the application will send an email with the account information. If the user has not registered in the new system you may need to re-register as local user. This request is then sent to us for approval.

To aid with E- NFIRS we have developed a few basic step-by- step e-NFIRS information sheets to help users who have been encountering problems getting into the new system . in addition, there are also new training videos on how to use the syste m https://www.usfa.fema.gov/data/nfirs/support/training.html

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 18 Fire and Building Safety Services

Code Enforcement & Plan Review

Most Vermont towns do not have a fire marshal/building inspector to conduct life safety building inspections in public buildings. The Division of Fire Safety reviews plans and issues State building permits. Every attempt is made to issue permits in a timely manner (within 30 days). We work collaboratively with the business community and try to find ways to ensure the plans we receive have adequate information to assist us in expediting our plan review process.

Inspections and code enforcement activities help us validate that structures have been built in compliance with nationally adopted building standards. Pre-construction meetings are often held to ensure the proposed project is on the right track for permitting and errors are caught in the design phase avoiding costly mistakes or delays in permitting.

Statistics

2019 2020 Construction Permits issued 2,615 2,422 Field Reviews 1,248 1,129 Electrical Inspections 5,969 5,475 Plumbing Inspections 1,857 1,806

Fire/Building Inspections 6,401 6,264

Total 18,090 17,096

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 19 Licensing and Certification

Licensed and certified trade professionals play a vital role in protecting Vermonters by following adopted rules and standards and ensuring building equipment and systems are safe.

Vermont Licenses and Certification Types

Electrical Master, Journeyman, Specialist Certified Professionals / Technically Qualified Person (TQP)

Plumbing Master, Journeyman, Specialist T 1 Fire Alarm T 8 Domestic Fire Sprinkler Systems T 2 Fire Suppression O B NORA Oil Bronze Cert T 3 Fire Sprinkler O S NORA Oil Silver Cert Elevator Inspector, Mechanic, Lift Mechanic I 3 Fire Sprinkler Designer G N Natural Gas I 4 Fire Sprinkler Designer L P Propane Gas Boiler Commissioned Inspector T 4 Chimney Sweeps G B Natural / Propane Gas T 6 Emergency Generators

Vermont Licenses and Certification 2020

PLUMBING SPECIALTY 273 PLUMBING JOURNEYMAN 383 PLUMBING MASTERS 1164 PLUMBING TOTAL 1820 ELECTRICAL SPECIALTY 354 ELECTRICAL JOURNEYMAN 1465 ELECTRICAL MASTERS 2066 ELECTRICAL TOTAL 3885 ELEVATOR 163 TQPS 798 SPRINKLER 41 OIL 745 GAS 2451 BOILERS 110 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500

For Assistance With: For Assistance With: All Electrical, Plumbing, Elevator Licenses T2, T4, T6, TQPs T1, T3, I3, I4, T8 TQPs OB, OS All Gas Certifications Please Contact Please Contact

My-Lanh Graves Debbie Moulton Central Office - Licensing Specialist Springfield - Regional Assistant 802-479-7564 [email protected] 802-885-8883 [email protected]

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 20 Division of Fire Safety Special Operations

To meet the operational and resource needs of Vermont's emergency services and to support local governments, the division established its own emergency operation center to coordinate our response teams to effectively and efficiently respond to evaluate and conduct rapid building inspections. On March 11, 2020 – the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was partially activated in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. On March 13, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order 01-20, Declaration of State of Emergency. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Division’s Special Operations Section and division personnel, supported Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) and our first responder partners to ensure we were doing our part to help protect all Vermonters. Division staff worked vigorously to ensure the essential functions of the division continued without interruption. We supported the incident response by coordinating inspections, collecting first responder capability data, supporting the overall state’s response and communicating safety guidance to all partners.

To request DFS special operations response or other assistance after hours contact the VT Emergency Management Watch Officer and ask for DFS on duty contact 1-800-347-0488

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 21 Annual Report from Fire Academy Peter Lynch Vermont Fire Academy - Chief of Training

The Fire Academy remains focused on support of the Vermont Fire Service and fire service training after successfully navigating our way through a time where training and education looked much different than any other year. Supporting the needs of the fire service through the COVID-19 pandemic was our top priority in 2020. However, the critical work of training firefighters was still paramount.

In March, the Fire Academy became the conduit to the fire service for all COVID-19 related issues. Our Staff was directed to take on many new responsibilities in support of Governors Scott’s Executive Order on COVID-19. Commissioner Schirling and Director Desrochers gave us clear instruction that the fire service needed to be well informed and ready to safely provide uninterrupted service in every Vermont community. This was accomplished through the development and implementation of guidelines and procedures, daily/weekly situation reporting, weekly briefings with fire service organizations, and direct contact with the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and the Department of Health. Most importantly there were hundreds of one-on-one communications weekly.

The COVID-19 related responsibilities for Fire Academy Staff included: o Assistance in distribution of Personal Protective Equipment to the Fire Service o Storage and distribution of hand sanitizer to all emergency responders o The implementation and support of a county wide fire service information network o Staffing the SEOC one day per week o Reassigning one staff member to contact tracing five days per week o Conducting Fire Department Capabilities surveys o Assisting individual departments in the initiation of COVID-19 testing and quarantining guidelines o The development of a scheduling process for vaccinating firefighters, and the initiation of that process in cooperation with the Department of Health and Vermont Emergency Management

Because the Fire Service is a 24/7 operation, we found it critically important to offer them the same kind of access. While this type of commitment redirected our work responsibilities, the need was great, and the outcome has proven to be positive.

At the beginning of March 2020, the Fire Academy was forced to halt in-person learning for the safety of our instructors and students. At that point we had no ability to move into a virtual learning environment. The Fire Academy Strategic Plan had identified the development of virtual learning which was still over one year away from implementation. Our staff, who had already shifted a large part of their workload to the pandemic, focused their work on Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Fire Instructor I Programs that had been in session for several months. They were able to create a virtual learning platform in a ten-week period, an incredible feat given the situation. All of those programs were able to successfully transition to virtual learning in May. The classes conducted their practical training exercises during June and July under strict COVID-19 training requirements and guidelines regarding how to train in extreme heat. There were a few students that were unable to complete the programs for a variety of reasons and we have worked with them to identify ways in which they can complete the training.

Since all of the Fire Academy programs ended very late in the season, the 2020-21 classes began one month later than usual. For the first time in recent history the enrollment in the Firefighter I Programs were so large that some of the students were put on a waitlist. We were able to find ways to accommodate all of the Vermont students. Unfortunately, soon after we began in-person training all of our classes had to move back to virtual learning. Because of the COVID-19 limitations throughout much of the year the need for virtual learning was widespread and not just limited to Firefighter I.

The Fire Academy heard from a number of firefighters and officers who were looking for online training opportunities since their fire departments were not able to train in person. In April, the Fire Academy released an updated “Online Training” page on our website that provides a library of links to over 125 different free online training opportunities. Additionally, the Fire Academy developed and circulated several inhouse trainings identified as Fire Training Fridays. These trainings featured Fire Academy Instructors who tackled topics that were of great interest to the Vermont Fire Service. Many departments have used these virtual trainings to replace their in-person department trainings and are allowing these trainings to count towards recertification hours.

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 22 Recertification became a real concern for many fire chiefs and training officers because of the restriction of in-person training. As a result, the Vermont Fire Service Training Council approved a change in the yearly recertification submittal date from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021. This allows firefighters who have not been able to train due to COVID-19 the opportunity to have an additional six months to obtain 24 hours of training. This has become a permanent date change that has the added benefit for many firefighters of aligning with the expiration date for EMS licenses.

Prior to the start of the pandemic a committee of Fire Academy staff and instructors was formed to update the Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations curriculums to meet the current NFPA standards. They held several meetings to review the available curriculums from fire service educational program publishers. Three publishers were asked to provide review materials and to give a presentation of their product. Two of those publishers, Jones and Bartlett and International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), were able to meet the review requirements. The committee used a pre-identified process to review each of the two. At the conclusion of the review, the committee unanimously chose IFSTA. The Vermont Fire Service Training Council has now approved the IFSTA seventh edition of Firefighter I / II and IFSTA Hazardous Materials for First Responders fifth edition for use in Fire Academy Programs and this year’s classes are using those materials that have been modified by our team of instructors to meet Vermont’s needs.

In addition to these major curriculum updates, the Fire Academy hit a few other milestones in training development that were outlined in the Strategic plan and five-year work plan. Rope Operations received Pro Board approval for certification in Vermont. The Fire Academy’s certified rope instructors offered the first program during the late summer which was well received. The Rapid Intervention course training along with Pumper Apparatus Driver Operator is also now widely available and we are pleased to see that departments are taking advantage of these training opportunities. In 2021 you all should look forward to the introduction of new or refreshed courses such as Hazardous Materials Monitoring, Flammable Gas Control, and new technical Rescue training.

The Fire Academy has received a 2020 Homeland Security Grant Safety to assist with technical rescue training over a three-year period. The total grant awards $117,873.00 and will cover development, train-the-trainer, and delivery of Ice Water Rescue Operations, Vehicle Rescue Operations, and Rope Rescue Awareness/Operations. These and other initiatives will be supported by equipment purchases funded through an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $184,989. We are very excited to start working on these projects as we begin to move out of COVID-19 in late 2021. All three of these projects address the Vermont Fire Service needs identified in surveys and meetings. These also align with our strategic plan and current five-year work plan. In a time when the State budget is very tight, this grant and others are a great boost for the Vermont Fire Service.

The work performed by the Fire Academy Staff to support the Vermont Fire Service in 2020 was well above anything seen in recent years. In the Fire Service, when there is an emergent need, people stepped up to the task and that is exactly what the Fire Academy Staff has done. While the largest part of our operation in 2020 was related to the pandemic, the Fire Academy was still able to provide in-person training to 714 students in 45 separate courses and programs and a significant number of additional firefighters through virtual learning.

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 23 Public Education and information Micheal Greenia - Public Education Section Chief

Preventing Fires and Injuries Through Education

The DFS Public Fire Safety Education and Information Section is responsible for enhancing statewide public fire prevention education, information, and outreach services. The section provides support services to fire departments, fire and life safety educators and community organizations by providing technical assistance, educational equipment and coordinates national and State resources to help with efforts to reduce the fire risk in their communities. In 2020, we experienced numerous unique challenges just like everyone else. In March 2020, the section was forced to halt all in-person public education programs. During this time, we also shifted to working in the state emergency operations center in support of the COVID response. Over the summer and fall months due to the evolving situation with COVID-19, most of our historical events and our customary fire prevention messaging and information sharing was transformed. All “in person” events statewide were CANCELED including all school events and all of the state fairs. Out of necessity, we all needed to adapt and get creative with our public education and outreach activities. We had to rapidly pivot to teaching fire safety in a digital world and provide online fire safety teaching support to fire departments and teachers. We took advantage of the many on-line professional development and skills training through numerous virtual safety summits and conferences.

2020 public education programs Program type Primary Audience Amount Pub Edu Events - FD Programs and Open Houses General Public - All ages 10 Meetings 22 Professional Development - online training Skills training conferences / events 40 Workplace Safety Talks / Training –( on line ) Workers - Business Owners 0 Special Programs – FireSafe 802 Program / team training 5 80

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 24 Highlighted Projects

The Robert Howe Fire Safety Calendar

With COVID guidance still in place, this year’s Annual Robert Howe Fire Safety Calendar Awards presentation to the student artists took place on Facebook live stream. This program is an annual event that produces a calendar featuring the artwork of 3rd grade students from around the State. Each year the Division of Fire Safety reaches out to the schools across the State of Vermont, as a collaborative effort to spread the word of Fire Safety. Third grade Students submit their artwork detailing a Fire Safety message. The artwork is judged, and winners are selected and invited to the State House to receive recognition for the artwork. Each month of the calendar represents a Fire Safety message that is appropriate for that time of year.

Go to http://firesafety.vermont.gov/Pubed/calendar to find out how you can get involved or have your students take part in the next calendar.

The DFS Fire Safety Video program - The Fire Safety Brief The Division has produced a series of video programs that address many topics or projects at the Vermont State Fire Marshal’s office. Likewise, in each episode we highlight different fire safety topics. This program works with local Fire Depts to provide ongoing education during the pandemic

https://www.youtube.com/channel/CwuJ4XIYYsYFrlQinPcXUcg

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 25 Highlighted Projects The FIRE SAFE 802 Program

FIRE SAFE 802 is a statewide Community Risk Reduction and rural home fire safety improvement project developed by the VT Division of Fire Safety. The program was launched in 2017 with funding support from a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grant.

In Vermont, residential properties account for most of the structure fires and civilian fatalities. Working with local fire departments and other community volunteers, this program builds on past fire prevention efforts and enhances the safety of Vermont’s most at risk rural residents.

Local teams have made immense progress in conducting home safety surveys, providing fire prevention education, and installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in homes that need them.

But there is more work to be done. All Fire Safe 802 resources and supplies are free to fire departments and teams to pass along to the community. We are now moving into part 2 of the project where we hope to expand the program to additional high-risk sections of the state. If you want to bring this program to your town, please

Drop us a message or give us a call ! This map shows the Fire Safe 802 activities and the work that still needs to be done

In light of the COVID-19 situation, many departments have put their programs on hold. We have received several questions on what departments can do during the pandemic.

Despite the unique challenges, fire safety education is still essential in keeping our families safe from fire. In order to keep responders and residents safe, we have recommended temporary changes to the operations of the program.

We are also releasing our remaining alarm stock to fire departments where they will do the most good.

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 26 Department of Public Safety Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit

The DPS (Department of Public Safety) FEIU (Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit) is a team collaboration of strengths and expertise of the Division of Fire Safety and the Vermont State Police. The FEIU is designed as a tool concept made available to assist local Fire Chiefs in identifying the origin & cause of each fire. Fire Departments are reminded that when calling for assistance from the FEIU, the local Fire Chief/Incident Commander, simply needs to contact their dispatch center or the nearest State Police Barracks. The dispatchers have an “on call” list of fire investigators they can contact to initiate an appropriate response. The FEIU takes very seriously their commitment to excellence and cooperation in providing the local fire service with this valuable assistance.

The Department of Public Safety is committed to working with and assisting the fire service in its goal of protecting life and property in the State of Vermont. The Division of Fire Safety Investigators were directly involved in 111 fire investigations. These fires resulted in 6 (six) civilian deaths and 15 (fifteen) civilian injuries There were no fatalities from carbon monoxide exposure in 2020.

During 2020, the Division investigated 11 incendiary fires, 43 accidental fires, 50 undetermined and 7 fires from other causes. The Unit investigated fires in 58 single-family homes, 12 in multi-family complexes, 13 in commercial, 3 barns and 25 all others.

The State of Vermont continues to see the majority of fatalities occurring in single-family homes. It has also been evident that there was a lack of installed smoke alarms and/or installed smoke alarms that did not function because the batteries had been removed or the alarm was disconnected from the electrical system. It is vitally important that the Division of Fire Safety and the Vermont Fire Service, consisting of individual fire departments and organizations, continue to work in a collaborate effort to educate and encourage the use of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to help reduce the loss of life from fires or carbon monoxide.

*** One life lost is too many, together we can make a difference! *** 1-800-32-ARSON (1-800-322-7766)

We Want Your Information Not Your Name!

The Division of Fire Safety Youth Fire Setting Intervention Team

The team consists of Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Specialists that provide risk assessment services and support services for youth involved in fire setting incidents throughout the State of Vermont. The team uses a nationally recognized Risk Assessment Survey that focuses on both the youth and their care providers

The requests for service come from the DPS Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, local fire chiefs, law enforcement, as well as, DCF social workers and mental health professionals. The team typically responds to between 3-7 cases per year, and typically provides assessment interviews, home visits to educate families on general fire safety in their homes, and advises on support services to mental health professionals and other interested parties involved in the youth’s treatment plan. Including members of reparative boards and officials in the juvenile court system.

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 27 State Hazardous Materials Response Team Patrick McLaughlin Vermont Haz-Mat Team Chief

The Vermont Hazardous Materials Response Team (VHMRT) continues to offer a high level of technical response and assistance to all fire departments experiencing hazardous materials incidents. Last year, Chief Todd Cosgrove, one of the team’s original members, retired after years of dedicated service. Todd played a pivotal role in growing the team and its capacity to mitigate HAZMAT incidents. With Chief Cosgrove’s departure, the division is proud to have hired Patrick McLaughlin former Haz Mat Crew Chief and former DFS Regional Manager. Patrick brings an extensive wealth of knowledge, experience and leadership to the team.

The goal of the hazmat response system has always been to provide an appropriate level of response to effectively and efficiently mitigate an incident in support of the on-scene Incident Commander. In 2020, the Team responded to 134 incidents. These breakdown to 34 Responses, 67 Notifications, and 33 Phone Consultations, which equates to 50% requires team action (response or teleconference with the Incident Commander) With all the challenges 2020 presented, the State HAZMAT team stood ready and able to to respond to incidents 24/7 -365.

Classified as a FEMA Type I HAZMAT Team, VHMRT has the highest rating given to HAZMAT teams and is capable of managing any type of incident including chemical, biological and radiological. The thirty (31) Technicians are led by a Chief, Deputy Chief, two Captains and a Lieutenant. The team has a fleet of four HAZMAT Response Vehicles. Three of the vehicles carry everything the team needs to perform at any incident, including specialized protective suits, chemical sampling and identification instruments, spill and leak containment devices and communications equipment. The team has three response trailers, a LP Gas Trailer, a Spill Response Trailer and a Decontamination Trailer to assist local emergency response agencies.

The Team provided refresher training to 580 responders for a total of 168 hours, throughout the state. Classes included Air Monitoring, HazMat Awareness, Hazmat Operations Hazmat Decon, Compressed Natural Gas, and Ethanol & Foam. The team also assists Vt. State Police, when requested with instruction of Traffic Incident Management and Clandestine Lab Awareness.

In 2020, the team and the Vt. Guard 15th Civil support Team worked together to continue our goal to strengthen our inter-agency training/response and both teams are a compliment to each other. Chief McLaughlin, collects and disseminates over 2,704 Tier II reports (2019) required under the Community Right to Know Act, working with the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and Local Emergency Planning Committees

To request the state HAZ MAT TEAM for an emergency call the Hazmat hotline 800-641-5005

The Vermont State Hazmat Team in action to the left is a 30hour call involving a LP Tanker that overturned and ended up in a river in Marshfield VT. The Call on the right is in Elmore VT where several chemical barrels were involved in a fire.

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 28 Urban Search and Rescue Team VT Task Force 1 Mike Cannon - Urban Search and Rescue Program Coordinator

Vermont Urban Search and Rescue Task Force One (VT TF-1) is a National Incident Management System (NIMS) Type III Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR) capable of operating in difficult technical rescue incidents for up to 72 hours. The 90-person Task Force is trained in advanced technical rescue which includes rope, confined space, trench and collapse rescue. The Task Force also responds with boats and rescue swimmers to assist communities during flood and moving water incidents.

The Task Force is staffed with approximately 35-90 member who are trained in mission specific specialties within the Team. These include Rescue, Search, Medical, HazMat, Logistics and Planning. ach group is responsible for carrying out important mission specific job functions such as concrete cutting, breaching, shoring, operating search cameras and listening devices or searching with specially trained canine resources.

In 2020, the Task Force responded to 7 calls for assistance as well as the on-going Pandemic response with 37 full-day missions that included shelter/cooling assistance, hand sanitizer dispensing, COVID Test Kit deliveries and assembly as well as the transfer of personnel to assist with the State Vaccine Points of Distribution. Command Staff also staffed various functions at the State Emergency Management Agency in support of the Pandemic response

Photos from the VT TF 1 and their Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/VTTF1/

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 29 VERMONT RURAL FIRE PROTECTION TASK FORCE

Rural Fire Protection Program

In the event of a fire, having water available from area streams, ponds and cisterns provides an advantage to a fire department, provided the water is readily accessible. Soft or obstructed ground can limit access to water and sometimes water sources may be located so far away it makes it impossible for fire department to access the supply.

Mobile water supply vehicles can move water from distant sources, but the critical factor is whether or not the fire department can maintain an uninterrupted supply of a predictable rate of water at the fire scene. Installation of RFP systems in rural water sources improves direct attack and long-distance water shuttle operations for fire suppression. This allows quicker, easier, and safer access to water sources from a roadway instead of having to work on soft ground immediately adjacent to the pond or stream.

A RFP system can provide a simple, cost-effective solution to the need for access to water sources without delay in rural areas of a community, as well as help supplement an old or inadequate municipal system in more urban village areas. An RFP system consists of an arrangement of piping with one end in the water and the other end extending to dry land and available for connection to a pump/tanker truck. RFP systems have the following features:

• The typical Dry Hydrant configuration uses relatively inexpensive piping materials (“wet”, pressurized, hydrant system materials can be more expensive). • Are permanently installed in existing lakes, ponds, streams and cisterns. • Provide a means of access whenever needed, regardless of weather. • Allow years of simple operation with a minimum of maintenance. • May help to reduce fire insurance premiums if the needed fire flow is met and certified for 2% drought conditions by a licensed engineer or certified hydrologist. • Save time through operational efficiencies. Multiple lengths of hard suction hose may not be necessary; usually one section to the dry hydrant is enough. The strainer is also permanently attached, saving more time. Fewer people are needed to make a hookup compared to making a conventional direct drafting hookup.

The mission of the Vermont Rural Fire Protection Task Force is to improve the safety and welfare of Vermont communities by assisting local fire departments in reducing the risk of injury, loss of life, and damage to property and natural resources.

The Rural Fire Protection Program is led by the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD) and funded through the Vermont Department of Public Safety, town appropriations, and the Vermont Department of Forest, Parks, and Recreation. The program gives grants directly to towns and fire departments while working one-on-one with landowners to install and service dry hydrants.

For more information on dry hydrants and other types of rural water supply systems, please contact Troy Dare, Rural Fire Protection Program Manager at (802) 828-4582 or [email protected].

Thanks to our partners: Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD), VT Troy Dare Dept. of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, VT Dept. of Forest Parks & Rec., and Program Manager, Rural Fire US Forest Service Protection Program

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 30 Common Statewide Emergency Incident Types

2019 2020 Code Incident types / Description Statewide Statewide + / - Notes Total Totals From Last year

321 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury 17,905 16,541 -8.2%

311 Medical assist, assist EMS crew 2,054 2,354 + 14% 324 Motor vehicle accident with no injuries 2,029 1,551 - 30.8% 611 Dispatched & canceled in-route 1,622 1,452

743 Smoke detector activation, no fire – unintended 1,489 1,283

745 Alarm system sounded; no fire unintentional 1,243 1,091 322 Vehicle accident with injuries 1,313 926 -41% 733 Smoke detector activation due to malfunction 904 900 554 Assist invalid 745 871 +16% 111 Building fires 872 778 -12% 735 Alarm system sounded due to malfunction 818 725

561 Unauthorized burning 340 644 +89%

600 Good intent call, other 552 607 +9.9%

444 Power line down 618 570

300 Rescue, emergency medical call (EMS) call, other 629 431

553 Public service 437 425

463 Vehicle accident, general cleanup 562 401

500 Service Call, other 349 393 +12.6%

700 False alarm or false call, other 349 347

142 Brush, or brush and grass mixture fire 117 315 +169%

424 Carbon monoxide incident 334 313

661 EMS call, party transported by non-fire agency 537 290

113 Cooking fire, confined to container 335 288 -16%

114 Chimney or flue fire, confined to chimney or flue 278 252 -10.3%

353 Removal of victim (s) from stalled elevator 168 159

911 Citizen complaint 107 111 +3.7%

900 Special type of incident, other 79 83

813 Windstorm, tornado/hurricane assessment 49 61

800 Severe weather or natural disaster, other 43 32 360 Water & ice related rescue, other 29 10 351 Extrication of victim (s) from building/structure 14 9 342 Search for person in water 18 17 122 Fire in motor home, camper, recreational vehicle. 10 1 356 High angle rescue 8 9

812 Flood assessment 99 21

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 31 2020 Statewide Emergency Incident Data

50,000 49,000 48,000 47,000 46,000 45,000 44,000 43,000 42,000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 incidents 48,485 46,100 46,820 47,264 48,032 46,986 45,997 48,049 45,352 44,225

TOTAL STATEWIDE INCIDENTS MULTI YEAR

Statewide 2020 Incident Type Summary OTHER CALLS (700, 721-746) 5804 MALICIOUS CALLS (710-715, 751) 150 SPECIAL INCIDENT CALLS (900-911) 191 SEVERE WEATHER OR NATURAL DISASTER CALLS (800-… 133 GOOD INTENT CALLS (600-671) 3618 SERVICE CALLS (500-571) 4198 HAZARDOUS CONDITION CALLS (400-482 2614 ALL OTHERS (331-381) 475 EMS /AUTO ACCIDENTS (300-323) 21,373 PRESSURE RUPTURES, EXPLOSION, OVERHEAT (200-251) 74 OTHER FIRES (100, 140-173) 656 VEHICLE FIRES (130-138) 192 STRUCTURE FIRES (110-118, 120-123 882 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 16000 18000 20000 22000

Statewide Incident Types 5 years FIRES 25600 24800 24000 23200 22400 RESCUE CALLS 21600 20800 20000 19200 Hazardous Condition 18400 17600 16800 Calls 16000 15200 Service Calls 14400 13600 12800 12000 11200 Good Intent Calls 10400 9600 8800 8000 7200 Severe Weather or 6400 5600 Natural Disaster Calls 4800 4000 3200 Special Incident Calls 2400 1600 800 0 FALSE CALLS 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

IMPORTANT DATA NOTE - The data on the next few pages is from reports were run on March 15, 2021 and based on data entered from incident reports by Vermont fire departments. It provides an overview of selected incident types and may not be a full account of all fire department calls.

• Some departments may not have reported during all months of the year. • Departments marked in gray had no incident reports submitted in 2020. { Some may have corrected this since the date the report was run.

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 32 2020 Statewide Emergency Incident Data

Overpress ure Rescue and Severe Rupture, Emergency False Hazardous Good Weather Special Explosion, Medical Service Alarm Fire Condition Intent and Incident Overheat Service Call and False State: VT (No Fire) Call Natural Type (No (EMS) Call Disaster Ensuing Incidents Fire) UUU FDID Fire Departments 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 Total N/A 01003 ADDISON 10 80 2 2 7 101 10006 ALBANY 7 1 2 2 12 07009 ALBURGH 02015 ARLINGTON 21 41 23 11 9 23 4 1 133 14016 ASCUTNEY 06024 BAKERSFIELD 10 39 3 1 1 4 58 14030 BARNARD 10 45 10 7 72 03033 BARNET 12036 BARRE CITY 43 2 1,652 61 104 104 109 1 2 2,078 12039 BARRE TOWN 38 26 40 5 19 39 1 168 10042 BARTON 05044 BEECHER FALLS 19 109 5 1 1 11 146 13045 BELLOWS FALLS 1 1 02051 BENNINGTON Rural 14 38 23 75 20 76 246 02451 BENNINGTON Village 9 1 8 3 23 14 25 1 3 87 11054 BENSON 4 1 1 6 06057 BERKSHIRE 6 12 2 1 1 1 1 4 28 12060 BERLIN 14063 BETHEL 20 28 8 3 3 13 2 77 04069 BOLTON 22 19 16 6 30 7 1 101 09072 BRADFORD 22 45 16 13 24 30 150 11078 BRANDON 13 54 5 11 20 33 1 137 13080 BRATTLEBORO 68 10 1,343 150 423 215 300 10 3 2,522 14084 BRIDGEWATER 16 13 6 12 14 61 01087 BRIDPORT 9 1 36 7 2 1 4 60 05090 BRIGHTON 01093 BRISTOL 22 35 6 2 18 21 2 106 BROAD BROOK - 14801 E.BARNARD 09096 BROOKFIELD 2 2 04114 BURLINGTON 116 13 4,632 149 805 628 1,169 4 35 7,548 12117 CABOT 16 17 10 6 8 14 1 1 5 78 08123 CAMBRIDGE 18 29 3 3 73 22 148 11129 CASTLETON 21 43 11 3 16 43 2 139 14132 CAVENDISH 6 1 49 4 8 4 3 75 13548 CHAMPION Fire Co So. LONDONDERY 10135 CHARLESTON 9 9 3 1 3 5 30 04138 CHARLOTTE 2 13 10 1 1 14 1 42 09141 CHELSEA 1 3 4 14144 CHESTER 33 32 22 32 20 33 1 2 3 178

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 33 2020 Statewide Emergency Incident Data

Overpres sure Rupture, Rescue and False Severe Explosion Emergency Hazardous Alarm Weather Special Service Good Fire , Medical Condition and and Incident State: VT Call Intent Call Overheat Service (EMS) (No Fire) False Natural Type (No Incidents Call Disaster Ensuing Fire) FDID Fire Departments 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 N/A Total 11147 CHITTENDEN 11150 CLARENDON 14 6 2 1 8 31 04153 COLCHESTER 32 1 221 37 38 55 143 527 05156 CONCORD 8 51 8 2 5 2 76 09206 CORINTH 2 4 1 1 2 10 01162 CORNWALL 11 49 2 2 3 5 18 90 10168 CRAFTSBURY 10 42 3 3 13 70 11171 DANBY /MT TABOR 4 18 4 3 21 2 52 03174 DANVILLE 5 14 7 4 6 18 2 3 59 10177 DERBY LINE 18 7 1 2 18 20 66 02180 DORSET 14 8 8 17 4 39 90 03199 EAST BURKE 4 10 8 1 2 17 11 53 02193 EAST DORSET 11 12 10 3 2 41 79 13191 EAST DOVER 5 41 5 1 14 8 74 06194 EAST FAIRFIELD 12195 EAST MONTPELIER 19 382 27 30 109 16 1 584 09209 EAST RANDOLPH 5 5 1 1 2 1 2 17 08201 ELMORE 11 2 18 7 0 1 9 0 48 06205 ENOSBURGH 19 19 16 2 31 10 1 98 04208 ESSEX JCT. 17 1 153 55 25 56 82 3 2 394 04207 ESSEX TOWN 32 291 51 39 68 99 1 2 583 11216 FAIR HAVEN 19 35 7 4 8 17 5 94 06210 FAIRFAX 26 42 25 67 12 27 3 202 06213 FAIRFIELD 09219 FAIRLEE 01421 FERRISBURG 7 23 7 16 20 7 80 06234 FRANKLIN 7 8 1 1 2 1 2 22 06237 GEORGIA 25 313 21 16 16 20 9 3 423 04806 Global Foundries 11 99 40 157 559 26 43 935 10243 GLOVER 13249 GRAFTON 10 70 5 8 9 19 121 07255 GRAND ISLE 11 32 5 11 37 22 1 1 6 126 01261 GRANVILLE 1 1 10264 GREENSBORO 13 1 19 2 6 8 49 03267 GROTON 10 13 4 3 4 1 4 39 13273 GUILFORD 13276 HALIFAX

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 34 Overpressure Rescue and False Severe Rupture, Emergency Hazardous Alarm Weather Special Service Good Fire Explosion, Medical Condition and and Incident Call Intent Call State: VT Overheat (No Service (EMS) (No Fire) False Natural Type Ensuing Fire) Incidents Call Disaster

FDID Fire Departments 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 N/A Total 01179 HANDCOCK 03282 HARDWICK 8 23 4 12 4 14 65 14285 HARTFORD 50 6 1676 59 253 126 198 5 6 2379 14288 HARTLAND 35 45 20 9 4 8 1 122 06291 HIGHGATE 35 30 3 1 8 14 1 92 04294 HINESBURG 21 320 11 10 30 37 1 430 11300 HUBBARDTON 7 13 6 1 6 2 1 36 04303 HUNTINGTON 5 4 10 1 1 3 24 08306 HYDE PARK 24 16 7 11 3 21 82 11309 IRA 10312 IRASBURG 9 8 4 1 1 1 1 25 07318 ISLE LA MOTTE 13324 JAMAICA 3 54 13 11 10 7 1 1 100 10327 JAY 08336 JOHNSON 3 7 1 1 7 1 20 11588 KILLINGTON 7 1 129 23 9 33 118 320 01354 LINCOLN 1 15 11 1 28 10360 LOWELL LONDONDERY / PHOENEX 13357 Fire Co. 14363 LUDLOW 14 22 33 26 14 86 195 05366 LUNEBURG 03371 LYNDONVILLE 25 10 61 37 13 32 178 04808 MALLETTS BAY 16 55 4 12 59 25 171 02373 MANCHESTER 30 28 21 1 2 106 1 3 192 13378 MARLBORO 1 1 12381 MARSHFIELD 4 11 2 1 1 5 1 3 28 01387 MIDDLEBURY 35 2 17 47 21 21 69 1 4 217 12390 MIDDLESEX 11393 MIDDLETOWN SPRINGS 1 1 04396 MILTON 01399 MONKTON 06402 MONTGOMERY 89 18 1 2 2 8 1 38 12405 MONTPELIER 13 2 1121 43 352 140 170 1 3 1,845 12408 MORETOWN 08414 MORRISVILLE 1 1 11470 MT HOLLY 01432 NEW HAVEN 03423 NEWARK 3 40 5 2 3 53 13429 NEWBROOK -Newfane / Brookline 10 1 113 27 21 24 13 209 09426 NEWBURY 22 10 1 8 7 5 53

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 35 Overpressure Rescue and False Severe Rupture, Emergency Hazardous Alarm Weather Special Service Good Fire Explosion, Medical Condition and and Incident Call Intent Call State: VT Overheat (No Service (EMS) (No Fire) False Natural Type N/A Total Ensuing Fire) Incidents Call Disaster FDID Fire Departments 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 10438 NEWPORT City 29 39 25 36 9 30 5 173 10436 NEWPORT Center 8 8 1 6 2 3 3 26 02443 NORTH BENNINGTON 9 2 3 5 6 13 1 39 07444 NORTH HERO 08448 NORTH HYDE PARK / EDEN 18 18 5 16 57 10445 NORTH TROY 12440 NORTHFIELD 18 27 16 4 10 18 1 94 14450 NORWICH 34 2 26 9 24 7 38 2 142 10456 ORLEANS 1459 ORWELL 8 17 4 1 3 2 5 40 11465 PAWLET 13 12 2 3 3 9 42 03468 PEACHAM 1 1 02474 PERU 8 10 4 1 7 14 44 11477 PITTSFIELD 8 16 5 3 2 3 32 11480 PITTSFORD 14 27 9 3 11 19 83 12483 PLAINFIELD 19 1 23 11 5 10 13 1 4 82 14595 POMFRET-TEGO FD 8 2 3 1 5 6 25 14486 PLYMOUTH 9 2 6 14 1 32 11492 POULTNEY 35 47 19 6 6 35 2 1 151 02495 POWNAL 27 14 6 1 9 3 60 02813 POWNAL VALLEY 11 11 3 4 1 5 1 1 1 38 11498 PROCTOR 14501 PROCTORSVILLE 35 47 18 13 2 14 4 142 13504 PUTNEY 09509 RANDOLPH CENTER 14 15 4 3 7 17 1 61 09507 RANDOLPH VILLAGE 16 23 35 12 7 32 1 2 126 14510 READING 11 39 4 4 8 4 70 2513 READSBORO 9 59 8 6 5 4 91 06516 RICHFORD 12 39 5 4 3 20 3 86 04519 RICHMOND 31 2 51 28 6 20 16 154 01522 RIPTON 2 29 4 1 8 4 1 1 50 14525 ROCHESTER 4 1 8 4 1 1 13 32 13528 ROCKINGHAM 6 1 139 9 12 21 13 4 205 12531 ROXBURY 02537 RUPERT 4 12 2 13 2 6 39 11540 RUTLAND CITY 104 3 108 137 136 105 268 15 3 879 11543 RUTLAND TOWN 26 43 23 33 16 31 172 03544 RYGATE 4 8 3 6 3 24 01561 SALISBURY 13567 SAXTONS RIVER 12 69 6 1 3 4 95 02573 SHAFTSBURY 15 3 23 1 3 17 62 14576 SHARON 8 5 5 3 2 1 1 25

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 36 Overpressure Rescue and False Severe Special Rupture, Emergency Hazardous Alarm Weather Incident UUU Service Good Fire Explosion, Medical Condition and and Type NA Call Intent Call State: VT Overheat (No Service (EMS) (No Fire) False Natural Total Ensuing Fire) Incidents Call Disaster FDID Fire Departments 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 03579 SHEFFIELD / WHEELOCK 04582 SHELBURNE 18 42 25 11 25 86 1 3 211 06585 SHELDON 21 44 5 2 1 10 1 84 01591 SHOREHAM 11594 SHREWSBURY 6 10 4 1 1 22 04600 SOUTH BURLINGTON 9 7 2,224 291 454 179 321 23 3,508 07603 SOUTH HERO 11 134 4 8 60 19 6 1 243 13590 SOUTH NEWFANE SO ROYALTON BROAD 14604 BROOK 14605 SOUTH WOODSTOCK 14606 SPRINGFIELD 49 2 1,614 63 156 92 93 7 33 2,109 06549 ST. ALBANS CITY 6 4 26 45 65 40 105 1 292 06552 ST. ALBANS TOWN 30 2 78 66 31 10 57 20 294 03608 ST. JOHNSBURY 76 518 79 189 49 100 1 1 1,013 02609 STAMFORD 10 58 3 2 6 6 51 85 01615 STARKSBORO 6 14 3 2 1 1 9 36 14618 STOCKBRIDGE 1 1 08621 STOWE 26 3 44 18 4 29 217 341 09624 STRAFFORD 8 13 9 3 4 1 51 89 13627 STRATTON MTN 03636 SUTTON 06339 SWANTON 29 63 26 41 18 37 1 2 1 218 09462 THETFORD 33 1 148 22 12 21 19 9 265 11645 TINMOUTH 13652 TOWSHEND 09730 TRI– VILLAGE 10654 TROY 8 11 1 1 2 11 1 35 09657 TUNBRIDGE 11 11 2 1 3 7 35 04660 UNDERHILL-JERICHO 16 324 9 26 24 30 10 439 01663 VERGENNES 12 27 9 44 13 31 4 10 150 88888 VERMONT HAZ-MAT 1 2 2 112 11 3 1 2 134 13666 VERNON 09669 VERSHIRE 12675 WAITSFIELD 21 20 21 3 14 46 125 03678 WALDEN 13 49 4 4 7 2 79 11681 WALLINGFORD 13687 WARDSBORO 12690 WARREN 12698 WATERBURY 12698 WATERFORD 21 106 13 2 5 6 3 58

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 37 Overpressure Rescue and False Severe Special Rupture, Emergency Hazardous Alarm Weather Incident UUU Service Good Fire Explosion, Medical Condition and and Type NA Call Intent Call State: VT Overheat (No Service (EMS) (No Fire) False Natural Total Ensuing Fire) Incidents Call Disaster FDID Fire Departments 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 09693 WASHINGTON 8 16 5 3 3 3 38 11708 WELLS 09711 WELLS RIVER 16 23 5 5 6 3 58 03713 WEST BURKE 13 9 1 2 2 10 37 13721 WEST DOVER 13722 WEST DUMMERSTON 09714 WEST FAIRLEE 09714 WEST NEWBURY 5 4 1 2 7 2 1 22 09725 WEST PAWLET 11735 WEST RUTLAND 14705 WEST WEATHERSFIELD 7 50 12 7 15 4 2 2 99 14738 WEST WINDSOR 17 12 9 7 8 20 1 74 04720 WESTFORD 6 9 7 1 6 3 2 34 13726 WESTMINISTER 99 11 44 15 13 1 183 10670 WESTMORE 14732 WESTON 01741 WEYBRIDGE 9 9 2 2 1 9 1 33 01750 WHITING 7 7 1 3 18 13753 WHITINGHAM 09756 WILLIAMSTOWN 42 41 5 8 3 15 3 4 121 04759 WILLISTON 37 3 1,131 33 199 224 3 2 1,905 13762 WILMINGTON 14768 WINDHAM 14768 WINDSOR 30 809 15 37 27 22 3 943 02771 WINHALL 8777 WOLCOTT 04774 WINOOSKI 60 1 40 26 41 33 85 1 2 289 12780 WOODBURY 20 62 4 4 12 6 108 14786 WOODSTOCK 23 46 19 31 40 67 3 229 12789 WORCHESTER

TOTAL INCIDENTS REPORTED – 2020

Overpressure Rescue and Severe Hazardous False Alarm Rupture, Explosion, Emergency Medical Good Intent Weather and Special Undetermined Fire Condition (No Service Call and False Overheat (No Service (EMS) Call Natural Incident Type incident type Fire) Call Ensuing Fire) Incidents Disaster

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 UUU

Totals 2,693 79 23,182 2,814 4,588 4,127 6,134 140 195 273

Totals 44,225

ACTIVE Fire Departments FIRE DEPT.S WITH OUT ANY 2020 VERMONT FIRE DEPT.S (As of March 2021) REPORTS SUBMITTED SUBMITTED REPORTS IN 2020 (As of March 2021) 232 64 72.4% 2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 38 Important Contact Information

Division Central Office: Vermont Fire Academy 1311 U.S. Rte. 302, Suite 600, 93 Davison Drive Barre, VT 05641-2351 Pittsford, VT 05763 Phone: (800) 640-2106, or 802-479-7561 Phone: 800-615-3473 or 802-483-2755 Fax: (802) 479-7562 Fax: 802-483-2464

Barre Regional Office Rutland Regional Office 1311 U.S. Rte. 302, Suite 500 56 Howe Street Building A, Suite 200 Barre, VT 05641-4271 Rutland, VT 05701-3449 Phone: (888) 870-7888, or 802-479-4434 Phone: (888) 370-4834,or 802-786-5867 Fax: 479-4446 Fax: (802) 786-5872 Springfield Regional Office Williston Regional Office 100 Mineral Street, Suite 307 3380 Hurricane Lane, Suite 101 Springfield, VT 05156-3168 Williston, VT 05495 Phone: (866) 404-8883, or 802-885-8883 Phone: (800) 366-8325, or 802-879-2300 Fax: (802) 885-8885 Fax: (802) 879-2312

FOR GENERAL CODE QUESTIONS CONTACT THE REGIONAL OFFICE FOR YOUR AREA

To request DFS special operations response or other assistance after hours contact the VT Emergency Management Watch Officer at 1-800-347-0488 (24hrs)

Vermont Haz-Mat Hotline - 1-800-641-5005 (24hrs)

DFS PUBLIC FIRE EDUCATION - To schedule the VT Fire Safety House trailers or to acquire other fire safety education resources or assistance contact the Public Fire Safety Education and information section at (802)-479-7587

To report a developing emergency disaster or an unusual event that requires additional assistance or resources. Call the Vermont State Emergency Operations Center. Duty Watch Officer Contact number: 800-347-0488

To contact a fire investigator please call your nearest State Police barracks (24 hrs)

Please Visit, Like and Follow our pages

www.Firesafety.Vermont.gov @VTFireMarshal, @FireSafe802, @VTUSARTF1 or @VTTF1, @VHMRT & @Vermont Fire Academy

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 39

Suite 600 — Suite

- 2351

Vermont Department Public of Safety

Central Office 302 Route 1311 US 05641 VT Barre Firesafety.vermont.gov

Make Everyday a Fire Safe Day a Day Safe Fire Everyday Make

2020 Report of the State Fire Marshal 40