Vergennes Fire Dept. starts series of controlled burns

VERGENNES, Vt. (WCAX) - If you saw some major flames from Route 7 in Vergennes Monday night, there’s no need to be concerned. The Vergennes Fire Department is getting its series of annual controlled burns underway.

Monday, they hit three different locations, including an area by the Addison County Eagles Club.

Fire Capt. Peter McDurfee says while fire danger was high Monday, everything was well under control. He says these controlled burns prevent brush fires from happening in the future.

“It burns away the stuff that is dead from last year. If that stuff keeps accumulating year after year it could be a larger fire hazard,” McDurfee said.

These controlled burns are also used as training exercises. If you’re interested, they are actively recruiting volunteers for the department. There will be an open house on May 13 as part of the state’s Operation Mayday initiative.

While it’s OK for the pros to burn, the weather this week will make it dicier for homeowners. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 10 p.m. for gusty winds and low relative humidity for the Champlain Valley and lower Connecticut River Valley. A burn ban is in effect for all of New York through May 14, which means no open burning is allowed. Those in Vermont should consult with their local fire warden about open burning.

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