Burlington Fire Department – Station 3 – Burlington, VT

Historic Firehouse and Emergency Response

Burlington Fire Station No. 3, located at 20 Mansfield Avenue, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating firehouse in the State of Vermont. Established in 1895, this historic station serves the Hill Section of Burlington, the University of Vermont (UVM), and the UVM Medical Center. As a key facility within the Burlington Fire Department, Station 3 is strategically positioned to provide rapid response to some of the city’s most densely populated and critical areas, including major educational and medical institutions.

Apparatus and Capabilities

The station is home to Engine 3, a specialized pumping apparatus equipped to handle both fire suppression and advanced life support (ALS) medical emergencies. The crew at this station is cross-trained in various rescue disciplines. Their capabilities include:

• Fire Suppression: Structural firefighting and alarm response for residential and institutional buildings.
• Emergency Medical Services: Paramedic-level care for medical crises, often working in conjunction with UVM Rescue.
• Specialized Rescue: Equipment and training for ice water rescue and tactical EMS support.

Operations and Staffing

Station 3 is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by career firefighters who work in shifts to ensure constant readiness. While the station is an active emergency facility, it also stands as a monument to the department’s history, having transitioned from horse-drawn steam engines to modern motorized apparatus. The station’s personnel are deeply integrated into the community, frequently engaging in fire safety education and prevention efforts within the local neighborhoods and campus areas.