Burlington Fire Department – Burlington, VT

Burlington Fire Department: Station 1

The Burlington Fire Department (BFD) serves as the city’s all-hazards emergency response agency, headquartered at Station 1 (Central Fire Station) on South Winooski Avenue. 🚒 Founded as a professional career department in 1895, the BFD protects Vermont’s largest city through fire suppression, advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical services, and technical rescue operations. Station 1 is the busiest firehouse in the state, housing the department’s administrative offices as well as Engine 1, Tower 1, and Ambulance 1.

Emergency Operations

The department operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, responding to thousands of calls annually. Key operational capabilities include:

• Fire Suppression: Responding to structural, vehicle, and wildland fires to protect life and property. 🧑‍🚒
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS): Providing Paramedic-level care and transport to the University of Vermont Medical Center. 🚑
• Technical Rescue: Specialized teams for ice water rescue on Lake Champlain, high-angle rope rescue, and confined space recovery. ⚓
• Hazardous Materials: Managing chemical spills and environmental threats.

Fire Marshal’s Office

While operations are based at Station 1, the Office of the City Fire Marshal (located nearby) handles fire prevention and code enforcement. This division issues permits for fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and special events (tents). Contractors must apply for these permits online via the city’s OpenGov portal. The Fire Marshal also conducts life safety inspections for businesses and rental properties. 📋

Community Engagement

The BFD is deeply integrated into the community, offering public education programs on fire safety and CPR. Visitors to Station 1 should be aware that it is an active emergency facility; while administrative staff are available during business hours, the apparatus bay is a restricted area. The historic station, built in 1926, stands as a landmark of public safety in downtown Burlington.