Hartford Fire Department

05/04/2026

Firefighter Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the work you do every day, often without recognition, and always with commitment.

I want to thank each of you for your professionalism, your resilience, and the pride you take in serving our community. Whether it’s the routine calls, the long nights, or the difficult incidents, you consistently show up ready to do the job the right way.

Take a moment this week to appreciate not just the job, but each other. The strength of this department comes from the people in it, your teamwork, your trust, and your willingness to have each other’s backs.

I’m proud to serve alongside you. Stay safe and take care of one another. - Chief Cooney

05/01/2026

**Retirement Lieutenant Keith Morse**

Lieutenant Keith Morse has just completed his final shift with the Hartford Fire Department. We recognize and thank him for 20 years of dedicated service, commitment, and leadership to this department and our community.
Although he has finished his last shift, Lt. Morse will always remain a member of Hartford’s public safety family.
Lieutenant Morse, congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for your two decades of honorable service.

04/29/2026

At 8:03 AM on April 29, 2026, the Hartford Fire Department responded to a 911 call for a reported structure fire at 780 Chandler Road, Wilder, VT. Crews arrived on scene and observed smoke coming from the building.

Firefighters entered the single-family home and found it unoccupied. The small fire was under control at 8:30 AM. The structure has significant heat, smoke, and water damage. The home is currently being renovated, and the owners are not currently living in the property.

The Hartford Fire Marshal is investigating the fire for cause and origin. According to Town records, the property is owned by Alex and Mary DeFelice.
HFD received mutual aid from Hanover, Lebanon, Norwich, and Windsor Fire Departments.

04/26/2026

**Brush Fire I-89 in Hartford Vermont**

At 3:35pm on 4/25/26 units responded to an approximately 2 acre brush fire on I-89 N near mile marker 7.8. First arriving units upgraded to a First Alarm bringing in mutual aid from the surrounding region. We sincerely appreciate the response of our mutual aid partners. Units began clearing the scene around 5:00pm.

04/16/2026

We are aware that Irving is currently conducting a propane tank burn-off at the Maple Street Co-op Food Store. This process may continue into tomorrow.

04/07/2026

Thank you to the residents of Hartford for voting yes to allow us to purchase new rescue tools. These are often referred to as the Jaws of Life. We were able to purchase a complete set of new TNT Rescue tools for vehicle extrication. We would also like to thank midnight auto for making sure we had cars to use and to tow them away after.

This was great training for our members.

04/06/2026

Woman Escapes Watery Crash with Child on the Ottauquechee River

At 12:45 PM, on Monday, April 6, the Hartford Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Quechee Main Street and Mill Run Condominiums for a report of an occupied vehicle submerged in the Ottauquechee River. The driver was hanging onto the vehicle as it floated downstream. Ambulance # 2 from Quechee Station 2 arrived at 12:49 PM to find a 26-year-old woman and her 2-year-old son safe on the bank of the river.

The child was in a car seat in the back seat; the mother was able to unbuckle him, cut through the deployed driver's-side airbag, and emerge through the window. The two were able to swim ashore safely.

First responders assisted the mother and son into an ambulance and transported them to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for evaluation; no serious injuries were apparent.

The remaining units from Station 1 arrived at 12:55 PM. Rescue swimmers were deployed and confirmed there were no further occupants of the vehicle.

Quechee Main Street was closed to the public during the incident but has since been reopened. The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Hartford Police Department.

The car was removed from the river by Sabil and Sons Inc. The Fire Department stayed on scene and assisted in the removal.

Lebanon and Hanover Fire Departments were dispatched, but ultimately their services were not utilized.

03/30/2026

https://news.daybreak.news/p/fire-breaks-out-at-site-of-wrj-homeless-encampment

F

03/05/2026

The most important asset in the fire station isn’t the apparatus, tools, or specialized equipment — it’s our firefighters.
Training on the skills of our trade is essential, but preparing our bodies and minds to handle emergencies is just as important.
Thank you to the Upper Valley Aquatic Center (UVAC), and especially the training staff, for introducing our department members to new fitness programs that help keep our team ready to respond. We appreciate your partnership and your commitment to our mission.

03/04/2026

Hartford Fire Department’s A, B, C, and D shifts successfully completed their quarterly rope rescue training stations today. Crews worked through a variety of skills and scenarios to stay sharp and ready when the call comes. Great job by all involved in keeping our community safe and prepared.

02/10/2026

Hartford Fire Department Responds to Structure Fire in Chambers Trailer Park

Hartford, VT – February 9, 2026 – At approximately 12:38 PM, the Hartford Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 27 Winter Street in Chambers Trailer Park. The first unit arrived on scene at 12:45 PM.
Upon arrival, crews observed smoke inside the mobile home and smoke coming from underneath the structure. Firefighters quickly located and extinguished a fire beneath the trailer. Due to the rapid suppression of the fire, all mutual aid resources were canceled.

An investigation determined the fire was accidental, caused by an individual attempting to thaw frozen water pipes using a propane-powered heater. It is believed that propane gas accumulated under the trailer during this process, resulting in a minor flash fire and explosion. The individual sustained minor flash burns to the face and was evaluated by EMS on scene but declined transport to the hospital.

The Hartford Fire Department reminds the public to seek professional assistance when performing repairs involving heating equipment or fuel sources to prevent injury and property damage.

According to municipal records, the property is owned by Toby Debattiste and is currently rented.

For additional information, please contact:
Hartford Fire Department
Scott Cooney, Fire Chief
802-295-3232

01/07/2026

2025 was another record year!