Shelburne Fire Department

07/18/2026

Shelburne Fire Department Responds to Overnight Residential Structure Fire

SHELBURNE, VT — At 12:37 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the Shelburne Fire Department was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire at a home on Pheasant Hill Ridge in Shelburne.

Shelburne Engine 1 arrived first on scene and found a large single-family residence with heavy fire showing from the exterior of an attached garage that was beginning to extend further into the home. The crew of Engine 1 quickly deployed a handline and initiated fire attack to begin knocking down the advancing fire.

Shelburne Tanker 1 and Shelburne Ladder 1 arrived shortly afterward. Ladder 1 was positioned for aerial master stream operations. Water supply proved to be one of the most significant operational challenges during the initial stages of the incident. The incident escalated to three alarms. Despite these challenges, firefighters successfully contained the fire primarily to the attached garage, preventing extensive damage into the rest of the residence.

There were no reported injuries. One cat was located in the residence and was also unharmed.

The Shelburne Fire Department was assisted by numerous mutual aid partners whose personnel and apparatus were instrumental in controlling the fire and establishing a sustained water supply. Agencies assisting included Shelburne Rescue, Charlotte Fire and Rescue Services, South Burlington Fire - IAFF Local 3671, Hinesburg Fire Department, Ferrisburgh Vol. Fire Dept., Williston Fire Department, Burlington Vermont Fire Department, City Of Vergennes Fire Department, Winooski Fire Department, Shelburne Police Department, Shelburne Communications Center, and the Vermont Division of Fire Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Shelburne Fire Department reminds all residents that working smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms provide early warning of a fire, including while occupants are asleep, allowing valuable time to evacuate safely.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Chief Andrew Dickerson
[email protected]

Photos: Shelburne FD, South Burlington FD, Hinesburg FD

05/27/2026

As a Life Member of the Shelburne Fire Department, John dedicated years to serving the Town of Shelburne. We’re forever grateful for his commitment. We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. John, your legacy will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our current President, John Weber, who lost his courageous battle with cancer on Monday May 25th, 2026.

John dedicated 7 years of volunteer service to the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad and nearly 40 years of service in Fire and EMS serving different departments and communities. His commitment, compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to helping others were truly unmatched. John was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone without hesitation. He gave so much of himself to his community, his fellow responders, and every person whose life he touched.

To many, John was more than a leader. He was a mentor, a teacher, a trusted friend, and a steady presence in difficult moments. He inspired those around him through his selflessness, kindness, and quiet strength. The impact he made on the lives of so many can never be fully measured, and his absence will be deeply felt throughout our community and within his EMS and Fire family.

John leaves behind his beloved wife, Holly, and his daughters, Emily and Sydney, along with extended family, countless friends, coworkers, and members of his EMS and Fire family who loved and respected him dearly.

During this incredibly difficult time, we ask that you keep John’s family, friends, and the members of VARS in your thoughts as we all navigate this heartbreaking loss together.

Information regarding services and arrangements will be shared once plans have been finalized.

Rest easy, John. Thank you for your years of service, your friendship, your guidance, and the countless lives you helped along the way. VARS 120 - We have it from here.

Sincerely,
Christina Brace
Vice President
Vergennes Area Rescue Squad

05/17/2026

Just a few months ago, the Shelburne Fire Department was training for ice rescues. Now, temperatures are rising, and it finally feels like summer.

If you're enjoying the beautiful weather by getting out on the water, remember that the water itself is still dangerously cold. Despite warmer air temperatures, Lake Champlain remains below 50°F, and hypothermia can set in within minutes.

If you’re heading out on the water in any type of boat, a personal flotation device (PFD) is the single most important piece of safety equipment you can bring. Wearing a life jacket greatly increases your chances of survival if you unexpectedly enter the water.

Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!

04/27/2026

Given the dry conditions, Shelburne Fire asks that you do not burn outside. Shelburne Dispatch will begin issuing permits again the fire danger decreases.

04/01/2026

Due to a series of unexpected mechanical issues affecting multiple pieces of apparatus today, we’ve had to make some temporary adjustments to ensure we can continue serving the community.

As a result, you may notice a slight change in our response fleet… including the reintroduction of some historically reliable equipment. Horse and Buggy 1, Steam Engine 2, and Wagon 3 are now in service.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these mechanical challenges; these apparatus still provide plenty of horsepower.

Instead of sirens, please keep an ear out for hoofbeats.

Happy April Fools from the Shelburne Fire Department!

03/17/2026

SHELBURNE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO RACCOON’S “UNLUCKY” ST. PATRICK’S DAY "STICKY SITUATION"

Shelburne, VT — In what may be the least traditional St. Patrick’s Day incident so far, the Shelburne Fire Department was alerted by the Shelburne Water Department to a raccoon with a peanut butter container firmly lodged over its head. 🥜

Upon arrival, crews located the raccoon approximately 25 feet in a tree. It appeared to have had a little too much luck finding the peanut butter, but not quite enough luck removing the container afterward. 🦝

Firefighters deployed a ground ladder and safely removed the container using a snare, restoring the raccoon’s vision and, to some extent, its dignity.

The raccoon remained in the tree briefly, presumably reconsidering its life choices or searching for a four-leaf clover in the field below. 🍀

No injuries were reported, aside from a notable hit to the raccoon’s pride.

The Shelburne Fire Department reminds residents to properly dispose of food containers and secure trash, as local wildlife continues to celebrate in creative, and somewhat questionable, ways.

While not every call involves fire or emergency medical care, this incident highlights the department’s ability to handle a wide range of situations: including those requiring ladders, patience, and a little bit of peanut butter.

02/04/2026

This afternoon at 12:12 PM, the Shelburne Fire Department was requested by Charlotte Fire and Rescue Services to assist with an ice water rescue in the area of the Charlotte Town Beach. Shelburne Fire responded with Utility 1, Utility 2, Marine 4, and trained Ice Water Rescue Technicians. Partner agencies on scene included Vermont State Police, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, City Of Vergennes Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard Station & ANT Burlington, and Shelburne Rescue.

Five individuals had gone out on the ice to skate when a large sheet of ice separated from the shoreline, leaving open water between the skaters and shore. Fortunately, all five individuals were uninjured and had prepared appropriately for being on the ice. Despite challenging conditions, the rescue ran smoothly due to strong interagency training and cooperation. 🤝🚒

This incident highlights the real dangers of recreating on lake ice. While enjoying Lake Champlain in the winter is something many Vermonters love, conditions can change extremely quickly, and remember that “no ice is safe ice”. 🧊⚠️

If you are planning to enjoy the ice with continued cold weather in the forecast, please remember:
- Ice thickness can vary widely, even within a few feet.
- Wear a life jacket or flotation suit.
- Carry ice picks, a throw rope, and a cellphone.
- Never go alone and tell someone on shore your plan.

Stay safe out there and enjoy winter responsibly.

01/27/2026

🚒 On January 26th at 15:28, the Shelburne Fire Department was dispatched to a reported snowmobile fire near a residence. A mutual aid request was made to the Hinesburg Fire Department, whose in-station staffing allowed them to arrive first on scene, followed shortly after by Shelburne Fire resources. The fire was quickly brought under control. 🔥

We’re grateful for our mutual aid partners and the strong interoperability that supports emergency response in our region. While Shelburne Fire continually strives to provide the highest level of service possible, our department is not staffed in-station, and response times can be impacted when firefighters respond from home (particularly during inclement weather ❄️). As we look ahead, continued investment in station staffing plays an important role in strengthening community safety.

Separately, this serves as a valuable reminder to shovel out a hydrant near your home, if you are able. Ideally, a cleared area 3ft on all sides of a hydrant will allow us to access it much quicker. This effort helps us to help you in the event of an emergency.

01/17/2026

On Friday, January 16, at 14:52, the Shelburne Fire Department was dispatched to a reported commercial structure fire on Northside Drive in Shelburne.

First-arriving companies found smoke coming from multiple storage units within a single building. Crews conducted extensive fire suppression, overhaul, and salvage operations to access and extinguish pockets of fire. Through coordinated efforts between teams ventilating the roof, suppressing the fire, and overhauling affected areas, the fire was contained to the building of origin and damage to adjacent units was minimized.

Firefighters operated on scene for nearly three hours before clearing. One member of the public was transported by Shelburne Rescue with burn injuries. The cause of the fire was determined to be unintentional.

We’re grateful to our mutual aid partners for their response and assistance. , , , , , , , , Shelburne Highway Department, Shelburne Water Department, and the Vermont Division of Fire Safety.