To report a fire or other emergency, dial 911. For non-emergency request dial 673-1414. For all other purposes, dial 673-1383 and a Fire Department official will return your call.

Permits

State law requires a written permit for any outside burning when there is no snow cover. Burning without a permit is a violation in which you can be held responsible for the cost of extinguishing the fire. To obtain an outside permit, leave a message, in advance at 673-1383, or contact Chief Kevin E. Pomeroy at his home phone. In 2001, we responded to a structure and woods fire. The cause was an illegal burn, which destroyed a shed and had spread to the house before the Fire Department was notified and burned over 3 acres. This 3-alarm fire emphasizes the dangers of fire and what can happen.

Fire Prevention

The department continues its efforts to insure the safety of the citizens of Mont Vernon. During Fire Prevention Month, members spent time with grades Readiness through Third, discussing and demonstrating fire safety techniques. Students were instructed in how to react in a fire, call for help, and help others who may be in need. Fire Department equipment was demonstrated and fire safety films were watched and discussed. Your home and its belongings can be replaced, you and your family cannot. If you have a fire, get out and call the Fire Department, don't become a statistic. The Department would like to thank those members who gave of their time to assist in Fire Safety Education this year; Sean Mamone, Hunter Philbrick, Julie Howard, Dave Bellamy, Rob Chamberlain, Mike Wells, and Jay S. Wilson.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of having working smoke detectors in your home and a fire escape plan for you and your family.

Fire-Rescue calls for 2001

During 2001, the Mont Vernon Fire Department responded to 88 calls for assistance. The severity of the calls increased, along with manpower hours per call. The Department responded to four-structure fires and a propane tank rupture at a house under construction. During November, Department personnel and resources responded mutual aid to four multi-acre woods fires. The following is a breakdown of the 2001 responses:

Accidents 21 Illegal outside fires 7

Appliance Fires 1 Mutual Aid 13

Brush Fires 4 Propane Leaks 2

Carbon Monoxide 1 Smoke/odor in a building 2

Chimney Fires 3 Smoke Investigations 3

Electrical Problems 7 Structure Fires 4

Fire Alarms 12 Trash Fires 1

Fuel Spill 1 Vehicle Fires 1

Furnace Problems 1 Water Problems 4

Along with responding to emergencies, the Department reviewed and made recommendations on new developments, tested water supply sites, performed numerous wood stove and oil burner installations, and outside fireplace inspections.

2002 Town Meeting Request

At this years town meeting we are asking your support for the warrant article that continues the fire truck capital reserve account. This account allows the Department to put away funds for the purchase of fire apparatus, without having a large impact on the tax rate when the purchase is done.

The NEW FIRE TRUCK

The Department's new fire truck should be in service by the beginning of February. This new truck will give us not only an up to date engine, but one that is all wheel drive. There were some delays in the delivery of the apparatus, but the final product is worth the wait. This truck is expected to serve our community for the next 30 years.

Respectfully submitted,

Mont Vernon Fire Department Board of Fire Wards,

Kevin Pomeroy, Chief

Jay S. Wilson, Deputy Chief

Sean Mamone, Captain

The members of the Mont Vernon Fire Department

Tony Amadon, David Bellamy, Jim Bellamy, Rob Chamberlain, Rob Clauss, Julie Howard, Jim Fowler, Charlie Ingham, Elliot Chip Lyon, Sean Mamone, Jeff Naber, Hunter Philbrick, Ron Philibotte, Greg Pomeroy, Kevin E. Pomeroy, Kirk Pomeroy, Howard T. Welch, Mike Wells, Tom Wilkins, John R. Wilson, and Jay S. Wilson

If you would like to become a member of the Mont Vernon Fire Department, contact the Board of Fire Wards for an application at 673-1383.

One of the best things about a small town is the many opportunities a person has to participate and be a part of the community. Volunteer.

For additional information and activities being planned by the Department, see us at http://mvfd.mont-vernon.nh.us/

The events that unfolded during 2001 were tragic. The Department, as with the nation, expressed sorrow with the loss of so many of our bothers and sisters associated with Fire, Police, and EMS, along with the citizens and servicemen and women who were lost on 11SEP01. We hope that President Bush's war on terrorism, may prevent future attacks upon our nation and our people. Words alone, cannot fully express our appreciation and support to the many men and women of our armed services, for their dedication to duty and country, and for their safe return.