Annual Spring Forest Fire Warden Training
The annual forest fire warden meetings will be held in 12 counties in late February and early March 2024.
2023 Fire Summary:
Below is the link to the warden meeting training from 2024
Vermont Forest Fire Wardens YouTube Channel
Vermont Town Forest Fire Warden Directory - Find Your warden
Resources for Vermont Town Forest Fire Wardens:
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Vermont Fire Warden Portal and Wildland Fire Reporting System
- Vermont Online Wildland Fire Reporting System User Guide (.pdf)
- How to access and fill out a fire report instructional video
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Backyard Burning - Resources from the Department of Environmental Conservation's Air Quality and Climate Division
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Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation - Environmental Enforcement and Online Environmental Violation Report Form
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Request VT Forests, Parks & Recreation assistance for ongoing wildfire
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Vermont Town Forest Fire Warden Handbook
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Fire Warden FAQ Page
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Town Forest Fire Warden Quick Links
The Town Fire Warden System was established in 1904 to give the responsibility of forest fire prevention and suppression to each individual town under the authority of a town Forest Fire Warden. Forest Fire Wardens are appointed by the Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation, with the approval of the town Selectboard, and serve a 5-year term or the balance of any former warden’s term, with an unlimited number of reappointments possible (subject to approval by the Commissioner or designee, see Title 10 VSA Chapter 83 §2641).
Numerous wardens are directly in charge of fire suppression in their town, however, it is an accepted practice that most towns designate their town fire department to engage in fire suppression. When a fire department receives a wildland fire call, regardless of the caller, the fire department is considered officially summoned by the town forest fire warden. It is also recognized that town fire wardens often delegate some of their authority to fire department chiefs so that fire suppression efforts are more responsive. Ultimately, town forest fire wardens have complete authority and jurisdiction over wildland fire suppression activities in their towns.