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.

Thermal Imaging Camera

The department applied for a FEMA grant of $21,500 (Department has to match 10%) to purchase a thermal imaging camera. In August, Chief Pomeroy was informed the Department was awarded a $19,350 grant. This grant would allow the Department to purchase a thermal imaging camera.

In October, a gift from the estate of Ruth Hanscom, a long-time resident of Mont Vernon left the Department Membership $84,000. The membership voted to spend $14,000, this money was used to match the 10% of the federal grant and to purchase a second thermal imaging camera. Mrs. Hanscom generosity will never be forgotten.

Thermal Imager Camera's are now part of the Mont Vernon Fire A thermal imager camera does not take pictures; it helps firefighters see through the smoke in order to rescue those trapped by fire. Thermal imagers are one of the most important fire fighting tools to be developed in the past 30 years. Thermal imagers not only can 'see' through the smoke, but also can assist in searching for lost persons, and locate hidden fire. The device picks up the heat source and allows the firefighters to see the image of what is around them.

Fire Prevention

The Department continued its efforts to promote fire safety. Deputy Chief Jay Wilson, Captain Sean Mamone, Firefighter's Rob Chamberlain and Julie Howard instructed Readiness to third grade on what to do in case of a fire, how to call for help, how to help others, showed films on fire safety, and demonstrated department equipment. Your home and its belongings can be replaced, you and your family cannot be. Working smoke detectors save lives.

2002 Incident Responses

For as dry as 2002 was, we did not have any major brush-woods fires, but our neighbors did. The Department responded mutual aid to Amherst, Goffstown, Milford, Wilton, and to the Tracking Station.

Outside Burning Permits

State law requires a written permit for any outside burning when there is no snow cover on the ground. Incinerator permits are no longer being issued. To obtain a permit, call 673-1383 or contact Chief Kevin Pomeroy. Burning without a permit is a violation of state law, which can result in fines and the cost of extinguishing the fire.

Fire Station Evaluation

At last year's town meeting, the town voted to have an evaluation of the fire station done. The recommendation is to replace the existing building over the next few years. The report indicates many safety and structural problems with the building. The report indicates that building has exceeded its life span (built in 1947) and show not be used for any other purpose. The report was delivered to the selectmen in December for their review. If anyone has any questions with regards to the report, please contact Chief Pomeroy.

Respectfully submitted,

Mont Vernon Fire Department Board of Fire Wards,

Kevin Pomeroy Jay S. Wilson Sean Mamone

The members of the Mont Vernon Fire Department

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. A great thing about living in a small town is the many opportunities a person has to participate and be a part of the community. If you have an interest, Volunteer.

The Department would like to acknowledge the work by Tony Immorlica and Kevin Pomeroy for their efforts in securing the FEMA Thermal Imager Camera grant.