News and Media
Press release
Silo Fire Incident – March 26, 2026
Initial Response
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 5:35 AM, the Thetford Fire Department was dispatched for a first alarm assignment in response to a silo fire at 3184 Route 5 in East Thetford.
While Thetford Engine 2 was arriving on scene, Hanover Dispatch communicated that an additional 911 caller had reported an explosion at the scene. Thetford Engine 2 was the first apparatus to arrive at 5:47 AM. Chief Whitcomb established command of the incident.
Investigation and Fire Suppression Efforts
During the initial investigation, responders observed smoke emanating from the top of the silo and noted visible distortion in the silo structure. Workers on site confirmed that there were no civilian injuries. A manual sprinkler system within the silo was activated to help control the fire.
As mutual aid companies arrived, Hanover Tower 1 was used to access the top of the silo and assist with suppression. A water supply was established from a dry hydrant at Childs Pond, located half a mile from the fire scene.
Incident Progression
At 11:01 AM, additional apparatus and personnel were requested to support ongoing operations. Firefighters on scene carried out fire suppression activities and removal of wood chips from the silo.
Command requested assistance from the Vermont State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, along with Fire Investigators from the Vermont Division of Fire Safety, to determine the cause and origin of the incident.
Conclusion and Acknowledgments
The fire was fully extinguished and overhauled at 12:43 PM. Mutual aid companies were released, while Thetford units remained to assist with the investigation.
All units cleared the scene at 3:21 PM. No civilian or fire service injuries were reported.
The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department extends its gratitude to the following mutual aid partners for their assistance:
• Lyme, Hanover Fire Department (NH)
• West Fairlee, Bradford, Norwich, Strafford, and Hartford Fire Departments (VT)
• Upper Valley Ambulance
• Thetford Fire Support Team
• Thetford Highway DepartmentChad Whitcomb, Fire Chief
Thetford Volunteer Fire Department
*** END ***
Silo Fire Incident – March 26, 2026
Initial Response
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 5:35 AM, the Thetford Fire Department was dispatched for a first alarm assignment in response to a silo fire at 3184 Route 5 in East Thetford.
While Thetford Engine 2 was arriving on scene, Hanover Dispatch communicated that an additional 911 caller had reported an explosion at the scene. Thetford Engine 2 was the first apparatus to arrive at 5:47 AM. Chief Whitcomb established command of the incident.
Investigation and Fire Suppression Efforts
During the initial investigation, responders observed smoke emanating from the top of the silo and noted visible distortion in the silo structure. Workers on site confirmed that there were no civilian injuries. A manual sprinkler system within the silo was activated to help control the fire.
As mutual aid companies arrived, Hanover Tower 1 was used to access the top of the silo and assist with suppression. A water supply was established from a dry hydrant at Childs Pond, located half a mile from the fire scene.
Incident Progression
At 11:01 AM, additional apparatus and personnel were requested to support ongoing operations. Firefighters on scene carried out fire suppression activities and removal of wood chips from the silo.
Command requested assistance from the Vermont State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, along with Fire Investigators from the Vermont Division of Fire Safety, to determine the cause and origin of the incident.
Conclusion and Acknowledgments
The fire was fully extinguished and overhauled at 12:43 PM. Mutual aid companies were released, while Thetford units remained to assist with the investigation.
All units cleared the scene at 3:21 PM. No civilian or fire service injuries were reported.
The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department extends its gratitude to the following mutual aid partners for their assistance:
• Lyme, Hanover Fire Department (NH)
• West Fairlee, Bradford, Norwich, Strafford, and Hartford Fire Departments (VT)
• Upper Valley Ambulance
• Thetford Fire Support Team
• Thetford Highway DepartmentChad Whitcomb, Fire Chief
Thetford Volunteer Fire Department
*** END ***
Press Release
Thetford Volunteer Fire Department Responds to Silo Fire at Pompanoosuc Mills
Incident Overview
On October 13, 2025, at approximately 6:40 AM, the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the Pompanoosuc Mills Showroom and Workshop following a report of smoke emanating from the base of the wood waste silo. While Thetford Engine 2 was enroute, the Hanover Communication Center relayed updated information from a caller on scene, indicating visible flames coming from the silo. Based on this information, Chief Whitcomb elevated the incident to a first alarm with the addition of the Hanover, NH Fire Department Tower, due to the nature of the building involved.
Initial Response and Incident Command
Upon arrival, Chief Whitcomb established Incident Command and observed smoke issuing from the bottom of the silo and its attached boiler building. The Incident Commander was met by an employee of Pompanoosuc Mills, who provided initial information regarding the emergency. After assessing the situation, the Incident Commander determined that the fire was concentrated in the lower section of the silo.
Fire Suppression Efforts
Fire crews initiated extinguishment efforts using handlines, targeting the location of the fire within the silo. Due to the nature of the burning material, it was necessary to utilize handlines to flush wood waste from the silo to allow access to the affected area.
Dust Explosion and Emergency Escalation
At 10:18 AM, during ongoing suppression activities, a dust explosion occurred at the scene. Incident command responded by upgrading the emergency to a second alarm, requesting additional fire units. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries as a result of the explosion; both were transported by ambulance to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where they received treatment and were subsequently released.
Incident Resolution
Fire suppression activities continued throughout the day, with the fire declared extinguished and overhauled at 5:05 PM. All units were cleared from the scene by 5:25 PM. Cause and origin of the fire is currently under investigation.
Mutual Aid and Support
The Thetford Fire Department received mutual aid and support from the following agencies:
Acknowledgments
The Thetford Fire Department expresses sincere gratitude to our mutual aid partners for their swift assistance and to the area departments that provided coverage during the incident. Special thanks are extended to the Thetford Department of Public Works, Northwoods Excavation, Thetford Police Department, Thetford Fire Department Support Team, and our local businesses for their invaluable support throughout the day.
For further information, please contact the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department.
**************************
Chief Chad Whitcomb
Thetford Volunteer Fire Department Responds to Silo Fire at Pompanoosuc Mills
Incident Overview
On October 13, 2025, at approximately 6:40 AM, the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the Pompanoosuc Mills Showroom and Workshop following a report of smoke emanating from the base of the wood waste silo. While Thetford Engine 2 was enroute, the Hanover Communication Center relayed updated information from a caller on scene, indicating visible flames coming from the silo. Based on this information, Chief Whitcomb elevated the incident to a first alarm with the addition of the Hanover, NH Fire Department Tower, due to the nature of the building involved.
Initial Response and Incident Command
Upon arrival, Chief Whitcomb established Incident Command and observed smoke issuing from the bottom of the silo and its attached boiler building. The Incident Commander was met by an employee of Pompanoosuc Mills, who provided initial information regarding the emergency. After assessing the situation, the Incident Commander determined that the fire was concentrated in the lower section of the silo.
Fire Suppression Efforts
Fire crews initiated extinguishment efforts using handlines, targeting the location of the fire within the silo. Due to the nature of the burning material, it was necessary to utilize handlines to flush wood waste from the silo to allow access to the affected area.
Dust Explosion and Emergency Escalation
At 10:18 AM, during ongoing suppression activities, a dust explosion occurred at the scene. Incident command responded by upgrading the emergency to a second alarm, requesting additional fire units. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries as a result of the explosion; both were transported by ambulance to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where they received treatment and were subsequently released.
Incident Resolution
Fire suppression activities continued throughout the day, with the fire declared extinguished and overhauled at 5:05 PM. All units were cleared from the scene by 5:25 PM. Cause and origin of the fire is currently under investigation.
Mutual Aid and Support
The Thetford Fire Department received mutual aid and support from the following agencies:
- New Hampshire: Lyme, Hanover, Orford, Lebanon, and Haverhill Fire Departments
- Vermont: Strafford, West Fairlee, Vershire, Norwich, Bradford, Windsor, Ascutney Fire Departments, and Upper Valley Ambulance
Acknowledgments
The Thetford Fire Department expresses sincere gratitude to our mutual aid partners for their swift assistance and to the area departments that provided coverage during the incident. Special thanks are extended to the Thetford Department of Public Works, Northwoods Excavation, Thetford Police Department, Thetford Fire Department Support Team, and our local businesses for their invaluable support throughout the day.
For further information, please contact the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department.
**************************
Chief Chad Whitcomb
3/30/25
At approximately 15:39 on March 30th, 2025, the Thetford Fire Department responded to a reported first alarm structure fire on Route 113 in Thetford Center. Upon the arrival of the first Thetford engine, heavy fire was observed.
Both occupants of the residence had safely exited the home prior to the fire department’s arrival and removed several pets from the home. One occupant sustained a minor hand injury and was evaluated and treated by Thetford Fire personnel and Upper Valley Ambulance.
Thetford fire personnel initiated fire suppression activities upon arrival and the fire was under control at approximately 17:00. All fire units were cleared from the scene at 19:53. Currently, the cause of the fire is unknown and being investigated.
Thank you to our mutual aid departments: Strafford Fire Department, West Fairlee Department, Vershire Fire Department, Bradford Fire Department, Orford NH Fire Department, Lyme NH Fire Department, Hanover NH Fire Department.
******
Chief Chad Whitcomb
At approximately 15:39 on March 30th, 2025, the Thetford Fire Department responded to a reported first alarm structure fire on Route 113 in Thetford Center. Upon the arrival of the first Thetford engine, heavy fire was observed.
Both occupants of the residence had safely exited the home prior to the fire department’s arrival and removed several pets from the home. One occupant sustained a minor hand injury and was evaluated and treated by Thetford Fire personnel and Upper Valley Ambulance.
Thetford fire personnel initiated fire suppression activities upon arrival and the fire was under control at approximately 17:00. All fire units were cleared from the scene at 19:53. Currently, the cause of the fire is unknown and being investigated.
Thank you to our mutual aid departments: Strafford Fire Department, West Fairlee Department, Vershire Fire Department, Bradford Fire Department, Orford NH Fire Department, Lyme NH Fire Department, Hanover NH Fire Department.
******
Chief Chad Whitcomb
12/16/2022
The current winter storm has caused significant damage to trees and caused related power outages across our community. This is slowing the snow removal process in places. Thetford Fire, DPW and the State Highway crews as well as town contractors are all working to clear the roads so Green Mountain Power can restore power. Please stay off the roads and allow our emergency crews to address the issues throughout our community. Updated information is being posted on the Fire Department Facebook page as well as here when possible.
The current winter storm has caused significant damage to trees and caused related power outages across our community. This is slowing the snow removal process in places. Thetford Fire, DPW and the State Highway crews as well as town contractors are all working to clear the roads so Green Mountain Power can restore power. Please stay off the roads and allow our emergency crews to address the issues throughout our community. Updated information is being posted on the Fire Department Facebook page as well as here when possible.
July 3, 2022
At approximately 6:00pm on July 1, the Thetford Fire Department responded to a report of smoke showing from several windows of a single-family home on Route 244. Due to the nature of the call, this was dispatched as a first alarm structure fire bringing in mutual aid from several area departments. While en route, the Thetford Chief requested additional information from Hanover dispatch who notified him of smoke showing from the eaves and windows. Due to the time of day and holiday weekend, the Thetford Chief then requested a second alarm assignment for this structure fire.
Upon arrival, the Thetford Chief observed smoke from the eaves and attic vents of the home and proceeded to close Route 244. First arriving units made entry to the home and observed the seat of the fire at the back of the home using the thermal imaging camera. The fire was extinguished quickly, and it was determined there were no occupants or pets in the home.
One firefighter was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and was released later that evening.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature. The American Red Cross was notified by the Thetford Fire Department to provide support for the occupant of the home.
In addition to the Thetford Fire Department, the following departments responded on the second alarm assignment: Lyme and Orford Fire Departments from NH, and Fairlee, West Fairlee, Vershire, Strafford and Norwich Fire Departments from Vermont.
All units were clear of the scene at approximately 8pm.
At approximately 6:00pm on July 1, the Thetford Fire Department responded to a report of smoke showing from several windows of a single-family home on Route 244. Due to the nature of the call, this was dispatched as a first alarm structure fire bringing in mutual aid from several area departments. While en route, the Thetford Chief requested additional information from Hanover dispatch who notified him of smoke showing from the eaves and windows. Due to the time of day and holiday weekend, the Thetford Chief then requested a second alarm assignment for this structure fire.
Upon arrival, the Thetford Chief observed smoke from the eaves and attic vents of the home and proceeded to close Route 244. First arriving units made entry to the home and observed the seat of the fire at the back of the home using the thermal imaging camera. The fire was extinguished quickly, and it was determined there were no occupants or pets in the home.
One firefighter was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and was released later that evening.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature. The American Red Cross was notified by the Thetford Fire Department to provide support for the occupant of the home.
In addition to the Thetford Fire Department, the following departments responded on the second alarm assignment: Lyme and Orford Fire Departments from NH, and Fairlee, West Fairlee, Vershire, Strafford and Norwich Fire Departments from Vermont.
All units were clear of the scene at approximately 8pm.
May 20, 2021
At approximately 5:28pm on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, the Thetford Fire Department responded to a reported barn fire located at 754 Cream Street in Thetford, VT. Due to the nature of the emergency call, a first alarm response was notified by the local dispatch centers. En route to the call, the first responding Thetford fire apparatus noted a large smoke column from the area of the reported address and updated the fire response to a second alarm notifying additional fire units to respond to the scene.
Upon arrival at the scene, Fire Chief Chad Whitcomb observed a large 50x40 storage barn with a 20x30 ell was fully involved in fire. Approximately 0.46 acres of grass and brush were also burning in close proximity to the residence. First arriving crews focused on protecting the house from the fire and then proceeded to work to extinguish the barn and brush fire. A second brush fire was burning across the road that was approximately 0.64 acres and a second outbuilding that was 14x34 in the center of that area, also burned. Due to the brush fires caused by the burning structure, a first alarm brush fire response was also requested bringing in additional wildland fire resources.
No injuries were reported as a result of this incident. The Thetford Fire Department thanks their mutual aid partners who responded to this call to assist: Bradford, Fairlee, Hanover, Hartford, Lyme, Norwich, Orford, Strafford, West Fairlee, Vershire Fire Departments and Upper Valley Ambulance. All units were clear from the fire scene at 9:46pm.
Of note, Thetford firefighters also were called to perform a technical rope rescue with the Hanover Fire Department in Fairlee, VT earlier in the day as well as a motorcycle accident that occurred on Route 113 in the afternoon. Crews were at the Fire station continuing to put rescue equipment back in service used earlier in the day when alerted to the barn fire.
At approximately 5:28pm on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, the Thetford Fire Department responded to a reported barn fire located at 754 Cream Street in Thetford, VT. Due to the nature of the emergency call, a first alarm response was notified by the local dispatch centers. En route to the call, the first responding Thetford fire apparatus noted a large smoke column from the area of the reported address and updated the fire response to a second alarm notifying additional fire units to respond to the scene.
Upon arrival at the scene, Fire Chief Chad Whitcomb observed a large 50x40 storage barn with a 20x30 ell was fully involved in fire. Approximately 0.46 acres of grass and brush were also burning in close proximity to the residence. First arriving crews focused on protecting the house from the fire and then proceeded to work to extinguish the barn and brush fire. A second brush fire was burning across the road that was approximately 0.64 acres and a second outbuilding that was 14x34 in the center of that area, also burned. Due to the brush fires caused by the burning structure, a first alarm brush fire response was also requested bringing in additional wildland fire resources.
No injuries were reported as a result of this incident. The Thetford Fire Department thanks their mutual aid partners who responded to this call to assist: Bradford, Fairlee, Hanover, Hartford, Lyme, Norwich, Orford, Strafford, West Fairlee, Vershire Fire Departments and Upper Valley Ambulance. All units were clear from the fire scene at 9:46pm.
Of note, Thetford firefighters also were called to perform a technical rope rescue with the Hanover Fire Department in Fairlee, VT earlier in the day as well as a motorcycle accident that occurred on Route 113 in the afternoon. Crews were at the Fire station continuing to put rescue equipment back in service used earlier in the day when alerted to the barn fire.
March 12, 2019
At 7:31 on 3/12/19, Thetford Fire was alerted to a motor vehicle crash with injury on I91 Southbound in the area of mile marker 86. An Upper Valley Ambulance unit and the Thetford Police Department arrived first at the scene and confirmed the location of MM 86.4 in the southbound lane. Additionally, the ambulance crew updated fire units that were en route that the vehicle was a fully loaded tractor trailer unit that was on its side and down a snowy embankment.
First arriving fire units determined that the driver was entrapped and would need extrication from the cab of the truck. The driver was also complaining of injuries, complicating the extrication.
Entry to the cab was made within 8 minutes of the first fire units arriving on scene allowing for initial evaluation of the driver. The driver was extricated from the vehicle and then carried up the embankment to the waiting ambulance for transport to the hospital. At this time, the driver’s condition is unknown.
Fire personnel requested Vermont AOT to deploy a standard sign package to control traffic and complete the lane closure that the fire units had started upon initial arrival. The travel lane of 91 s in the area was closed for several hours while the truck was recovered from the scene.
Lyme Fire Department, Vermont State Police and Thetford Police all assisted with the initial lane closure and protection for the fire units working on scene in the highway at the time of the extrication.
Fire units were clear of the scene after the recovery of the truck and trailer at 1:01am on 3/13/19.
June 28, 2018
At 6:47pm on 6/28/18, the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department was alerted to a possible structure fire with heavy smoke in the dining hall at Camp Farnsworth.
Upon arrival, smoke was showing from the eaves and an open door at the end of the building where the laundry room is located. Camp staff met the first arriving units and reported that the building was fully evacuated and all campers and staff were accounted for.
With heavy smoke from the building, firefighters entered through the laundry room to identify the source of the smoke. After investigation, it was determined that the fire initiated in the commercial dryer. The fire was extinguished and smoke evacuated from the building.
One staff member was transported to the hospital for evaluation due to smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
Lyme, Strafford, Bradford Fire Departments and Upper Valley Ambulance provided mutual aid response to the first alarm building fire.
December 19, 2017
At 4:04 on 12/19/17, the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department, Inc was called to a first-alarm structure fire on Appian Way in Thetford with Strafford and Lyme Fire Departments and Upper Valley Ambulance. A neighbor and Thetford firefighter noticed a fire on an external wall of a barn and reported the emergency to Hanover Dispatch. This firefighter then responded directly to the scene and knocked the fire down while apparatus and other firefighters were responding to the scene.
Upon arrival, Thetford firefighters fully extinguished the fire and completed extensive overhaul to remove any potential hazards. Mutual aid departments were cancelled prior to their arrival on the scene. The horses were removed from the barn prior to the Fire Department arrival by the owner and area neighbors.
The cause of the fire was determined to be an electric water heater that malfunctioned in a water bucket.
No injuries were reported and while the barn has partial damage to one wall, it is still able to be utilized as intended.
This was an excellent outcome and demonstrates the importance of early reporting of emergencies and rapid response by fire personnel.
May 2017
The Thetford FAST Squad has been selected as the 2017 Vermont First Response Service of the year by the Vermont Emergency Medical Services office. The award is intended to recognize Vermont based, licensed EMS organizations for their excellence in operations and service to their communities. The Thetford FAST Squad is the EMS branch of the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
Additionally, Deputy Chief Mariah Whitcomb has been selected as the 2017 EMS Educator of the year by the Vermont Emergency Medical Services office.
A formal awards presentation is scheduled to be held during the Vermont EMS Conference in Burlington, Vermont in November. A local presentation is currently being scheduled with the Vermont EMS office and more information will be released as it is available
We are honored and humbled to have our department membership’s high level of professionalism and service to our community recognized by those who nominated us as well as the State of Vermont EMS office. Additionally, we are thrilled to have one of our own recognized for her dedication to providing innovative, quality education throughout Vermont.
December 31, 2016
The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department responded to 360 emergency calls in 2016. This is 100+ more calls than in 2015. Our members are a dedicated group and we look forward to serving our community in 2017. Interested in joining us? Use the contact form above and let us know. We are actively recruiting new members now.
July 23, 2016
At approximately 16:30 on Saturday, July 23rd, a strong wind storm affected the Town of Thetford. Numerous trees were uprooted or broken creating both road hazards and issues with power and phone lines throughout the town. The Thetford Fire Department was called to evaluate storm damage, and determine any life safety issues. The Emergency Operation Center was opened at the fire department and the Emergency Management Director took command of the incident. Throughout the evening the fire department responded logged 50 separate incidents related to the storm and 2 additional separate incidents. The EOC was closed at approximately 00:10 and reopened the next morning at 9:30am. Power was restored to the main lines in town as of 5:00 on 7/24/16 with power being restored to all of town by 22:00 on 7/25/16. At the time of this posting, 1/4 of the town is still without phone service as the Fairpoint lines have yet to be repaired. (7/27/16)
July 21, 2016
At approximately 12:59 on Thursday, July 21st, the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department was notified of a propane tank that was leaking at a business on Rte 113. Upon arrival, the Incident Commander noted it was an underground tank that was actively venting propane into the atmosphere. Route 113 was closed to all traffic while firefighters approached the tank and plugged the leak. It was determined that a vehicle had driven over the tank fill site and broken the relief valve. Firefighters utilized hose streams to disperse the propane in the air and in protecting those plugging the leak. Route 113 was reopened to one lane of traffic after 45 minutes once the leak was plugged. The Fire Department assisted the propane company in removing the rest of the propane from the tank. Mutual aid departments that responded included the Lyme Fire Department, and Strafford Fire Department. Upper Valley Ambulance also responded as a medical standby, but was released shortly after their arrival and medical coverage was provided by Thetford EMTs at the scene. The scene was secure and road was fully opened at 17:00. Fire units were back in service as of 17:35.
At 7:31 on 3/12/19, Thetford Fire was alerted to a motor vehicle crash with injury on I91 Southbound in the area of mile marker 86. An Upper Valley Ambulance unit and the Thetford Police Department arrived first at the scene and confirmed the location of MM 86.4 in the southbound lane. Additionally, the ambulance crew updated fire units that were en route that the vehicle was a fully loaded tractor trailer unit that was on its side and down a snowy embankment.
First arriving fire units determined that the driver was entrapped and would need extrication from the cab of the truck. The driver was also complaining of injuries, complicating the extrication.
Entry to the cab was made within 8 minutes of the first fire units arriving on scene allowing for initial evaluation of the driver. The driver was extricated from the vehicle and then carried up the embankment to the waiting ambulance for transport to the hospital. At this time, the driver’s condition is unknown.
Fire personnel requested Vermont AOT to deploy a standard sign package to control traffic and complete the lane closure that the fire units had started upon initial arrival. The travel lane of 91 s in the area was closed for several hours while the truck was recovered from the scene.
Lyme Fire Department, Vermont State Police and Thetford Police all assisted with the initial lane closure and protection for the fire units working on scene in the highway at the time of the extrication.
Fire units were clear of the scene after the recovery of the truck and trailer at 1:01am on 3/13/19.
June 28, 2018
At 6:47pm on 6/28/18, the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department was alerted to a possible structure fire with heavy smoke in the dining hall at Camp Farnsworth.
Upon arrival, smoke was showing from the eaves and an open door at the end of the building where the laundry room is located. Camp staff met the first arriving units and reported that the building was fully evacuated and all campers and staff were accounted for.
With heavy smoke from the building, firefighters entered through the laundry room to identify the source of the smoke. After investigation, it was determined that the fire initiated in the commercial dryer. The fire was extinguished and smoke evacuated from the building.
One staff member was transported to the hospital for evaluation due to smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
Lyme, Strafford, Bradford Fire Departments and Upper Valley Ambulance provided mutual aid response to the first alarm building fire.
December 19, 2017
At 4:04 on 12/19/17, the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department, Inc was called to a first-alarm structure fire on Appian Way in Thetford with Strafford and Lyme Fire Departments and Upper Valley Ambulance. A neighbor and Thetford firefighter noticed a fire on an external wall of a barn and reported the emergency to Hanover Dispatch. This firefighter then responded directly to the scene and knocked the fire down while apparatus and other firefighters were responding to the scene.
Upon arrival, Thetford firefighters fully extinguished the fire and completed extensive overhaul to remove any potential hazards. Mutual aid departments were cancelled prior to their arrival on the scene. The horses were removed from the barn prior to the Fire Department arrival by the owner and area neighbors.
The cause of the fire was determined to be an electric water heater that malfunctioned in a water bucket.
No injuries were reported and while the barn has partial damage to one wall, it is still able to be utilized as intended.
This was an excellent outcome and demonstrates the importance of early reporting of emergencies and rapid response by fire personnel.
May 2017
The Thetford FAST Squad has been selected as the 2017 Vermont First Response Service of the year by the Vermont Emergency Medical Services office. The award is intended to recognize Vermont based, licensed EMS organizations for their excellence in operations and service to their communities. The Thetford FAST Squad is the EMS branch of the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
Additionally, Deputy Chief Mariah Whitcomb has been selected as the 2017 EMS Educator of the year by the Vermont Emergency Medical Services office.
A formal awards presentation is scheduled to be held during the Vermont EMS Conference in Burlington, Vermont in November. A local presentation is currently being scheduled with the Vermont EMS office and more information will be released as it is available
We are honored and humbled to have our department membership’s high level of professionalism and service to our community recognized by those who nominated us as well as the State of Vermont EMS office. Additionally, we are thrilled to have one of our own recognized for her dedication to providing innovative, quality education throughout Vermont.
December 31, 2016
The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department responded to 360 emergency calls in 2016. This is 100+ more calls than in 2015. Our members are a dedicated group and we look forward to serving our community in 2017. Interested in joining us? Use the contact form above and let us know. We are actively recruiting new members now.
July 23, 2016
At approximately 16:30 on Saturday, July 23rd, a strong wind storm affected the Town of Thetford. Numerous trees were uprooted or broken creating both road hazards and issues with power and phone lines throughout the town. The Thetford Fire Department was called to evaluate storm damage, and determine any life safety issues. The Emergency Operation Center was opened at the fire department and the Emergency Management Director took command of the incident. Throughout the evening the fire department responded logged 50 separate incidents related to the storm and 2 additional separate incidents. The EOC was closed at approximately 00:10 and reopened the next morning at 9:30am. Power was restored to the main lines in town as of 5:00 on 7/24/16 with power being restored to all of town by 22:00 on 7/25/16. At the time of this posting, 1/4 of the town is still without phone service as the Fairpoint lines have yet to be repaired. (7/27/16)
July 21, 2016
At approximately 12:59 on Thursday, July 21st, the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department was notified of a propane tank that was leaking at a business on Rte 113. Upon arrival, the Incident Commander noted it was an underground tank that was actively venting propane into the atmosphere. Route 113 was closed to all traffic while firefighters approached the tank and plugged the leak. It was determined that a vehicle had driven over the tank fill site and broken the relief valve. Firefighters utilized hose streams to disperse the propane in the air and in protecting those plugging the leak. Route 113 was reopened to one lane of traffic after 45 minutes once the leak was plugged. The Fire Department assisted the propane company in removing the rest of the propane from the tank. Mutual aid departments that responded included the Lyme Fire Department, and Strafford Fire Department. Upper Valley Ambulance also responded as a medical standby, but was released shortly after their arrival and medical coverage was provided by Thetford EMTs at the scene. The scene was secure and road was fully opened at 17:00. Fire units were back in service as of 17:35.
August 31, 2015
The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department was notified at approximately 4:30am of a structure fire in a storage barn on Academy rd. Upon the first engine's arrival, command notified incoming units that the structure was fully involved, but there were no exposures. The fire was brought under control within approximately an hour and units were on scene until about 10:30 am completely overhaul and mop-up as well as assisting the Vermont State Fire Investigator. Mutual aid departments that responded to the scene included the Lyme Fire Department (NH) and the Strafford Fire Department (VT). Upper Valley Ambulance also responded as a medical standby, but was released shortly after their arrival.
July 28, 2015
The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department was called to assist with a rescue on Mt. Cube on 7/28/15. Utilizing our 6-wheeler and personnel, we were able to assist the Orford Fire Department in safely removing a patient suffering a medical emergency from Mt. Cube and getting her to definitive care.
The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department was notified at approximately 4:30am of a structure fire in a storage barn on Academy rd. Upon the first engine's arrival, command notified incoming units that the structure was fully involved, but there were no exposures. The fire was brought under control within approximately an hour and units were on scene until about 10:30 am completely overhaul and mop-up as well as assisting the Vermont State Fire Investigator. Mutual aid departments that responded to the scene included the Lyme Fire Department (NH) and the Strafford Fire Department (VT). Upper Valley Ambulance also responded as a medical standby, but was released shortly after their arrival.
July 28, 2015
The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department was called to assist with a rescue on Mt. Cube on 7/28/15. Utilizing our 6-wheeler and personnel, we were able to assist the Orford Fire Department in safely removing a patient suffering a medical emergency from Mt. Cube and getting her to definitive care.
May 23, 2015
The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department celebrated our 55th year with an Open House for our community on May 23, 2015. Between the firefighting games for the kids, the Ben and Jerry's ice cream truck, and the station and truck tours it was a busy day. The members wish to thank our community for attending this important event. Are you interested in learning more about your Fire Department? Give us a call or fill out the contact form using the link above. We would be happy to talk with you, answer any questions, or schedule a private visit at the Fire Station.
The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department celebrated our 55th year with an Open House for our community on May 23, 2015. Between the firefighting games for the kids, the Ben and Jerry's ice cream truck, and the station and truck tours it was a busy day. The members wish to thank our community for attending this important event. Are you interested in learning more about your Fire Department? Give us a call or fill out the contact form using the link above. We would be happy to talk with you, answer any questions, or schedule a private visit at the Fire Station.
May 4, 2015
The recent dry, warm weather has created a rash of brush fires in the Upper Valley. The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department responded in Strafford on May 2 for a large brush fire on Stage Rd. The fire was extinguished after about 5 hours and had the equivalent of a 4-alarm response.
On May 4, 2015, The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department responded to Norwich for a very large brush fire estimated to be 1 square mile in area. The created the need for a 4+ alarm response. We ask our community to please respect the burning bans in place due to the weather conditions. Once the bans are lifted, community members are still required to obtain a permit. Please see the links above to learn how to get a burn permit in Thetford.
The recent dry, warm weather has created a rash of brush fires in the Upper Valley. The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department responded in Strafford on May 2 for a large brush fire on Stage Rd. The fire was extinguished after about 5 hours and had the equivalent of a 4-alarm response.
On May 4, 2015, The Thetford Volunteer Fire Department responded to Norwich for a very large brush fire estimated to be 1 square mile in area. The created the need for a 4+ alarm response. We ask our community to please respect the burning bans in place due to the weather conditions. Once the bans are lifted, community members are still required to obtain a permit. Please see the links above to learn how to get a burn permit in Thetford.