January 1, 2026 — Just after 2:00 a.m., the Colchester Fire Department responded to an automatic fire alarm at 600 Dalton Drive. While units were en route, multiple 911 callers reported visible smoke and fire, prompting the responding chief officer to upgrade the incident to a second alarm due to the building’s occupancy. Crews arrived to find a two-story, multi-unit residential building with moderate smoke conditions at the front entrance. Occupants reported that a piece of furniture had ignited inside a first-floor apartment. The fire had been knocked down prior to arrival by an occupant using a portable fire extinguisher. Firefighters entered the unit, conducted overhaul to locate and extinguish any remaining hot spots, and ventilated the building to clear residual smoke. The structure was thoroughly checked and returned to occupants, with no injuries reported. Colchester Fire was assisted by Burlington, Winooski, Essex, Essex Junction, and VTANG Fire Departments.