December 30, 2025 — The Burlington Fire Department responded at approximately 5:23 p.m. to a reported structure fire with occupants trapped at a two-story, three-unit apartment building on Archibald Street. Fire crews arrived within three minutes to find fire involving the exterior siding and an exterior staircase, which served as the sole means of egress for one second-floor apartment. Firefighters conducted a coordinated rescue, removing three occupants from a second-floor window using ground ladders while simultaneously extinguishing the fire and conducting a search of the building to ensure all residents were safely out. Due to the age of the structure and multiple layers of siding, crews performed extensive overhaul to address hidden hot spots. One occupant was evaluated on scene and declined further medical treatment. The American Red Cross is assisting residents displaced from one unit, while the remaining two apartments were cleared for re-occupancy. The Burlington Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined. Fire officials again emphasized the importance of working smoke detectors, noting that several units in the building did not have properly functioning alarms.