07/01/2026
Public Notice — Fire Permits
Effective July 1, 2026, I will no longer be issuing fire permits, and neither will any deputy forest fire warden.
Explanation of Changes
Recent statewide changes have restructured how fire‑permit authority is assigned. Under the new rules, the fire chief is automatically designated as the Town Forest Fire Warden, regardless of whether the town or chief requested this responsibility. This change also adds new administrative, enforcement, and documentation requirements.
We were only notified of these changes last Thursday, leaving no time for the town to prepare, train, or clarify responsibilities before the July 1 implementation date.
At this time, the State has not provided clear guidance on liability, including whether fire chiefs are covered under municipal or state protections when acting as Forest Fire Wardens. Without clarity on who carries legal responsibility, what insurance applies, or how liability is shared, it is not safe or appropriate for me—or any deputy—to continue issuing fire permits locally.
Under the current structure, the only person above the Town Forest Fire Warden with authority to issue fire permits for Tunbridge is the Commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation:
Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner
Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
1 National Life Dr., Davis Building
Montpelier, VT 05620
802‑828‑1534
Her direct line is: 802-598-9992
Email: [email protected]
All fire permit requests must be directed to her office until the State resolves these issues.
Campfire Definition (Act 162)
Act 162 now establishes a statewide definition of a campfire. A campfire is defined as a fire 36 inches in diameter or less that is:
Built in stone arches, outdoor fireplaces, or existing fire rings, OR
Built in a location 200 feet or more from any forestland, or from any field containing dry grass or other flammable plant materials contiguous to forestland.
This definition clarifies which fires may be kindled without a permit and aims to reduce confusion among residents regarding recreational fires.
Per statute, campfires are excluded from requiring a Permit to Kindle Fire, but they may be banned by the FPR Commissioner during periods of elevated fire risk. Your town may also have additional ordinances that further restrict campfires within the municipality.
Clearly defining campfires allows the State to issue burn restrictions on debris burning and campfires during times of elevated fire danger or poor air quality.
— Simon Bradford
Fire Chief
Tunbridge, Vermont
