December 15, 2025 —Last week, the Hinesburg Fire Department responded to a reported chimney fire in the Town of Huntington, where quick thinking by the homeowner and coordinated action by responding crews helped prevent a more serious incident. Firefighters from Huntington and Hinesburg determined the fire involved a waste oil heating unit and had already been knocked down by the occupant using a dry chemical fire extinguisher before crews arrived. Due to the concealed nature of these systems—including internal piping, a 90-degree elbow, and a ridge cap—firefighters carefully disassembled portions of the unit to ensure the fire had not extended beyond visible areas. After confirming there was no further fire spread and no hazards remained, the building was safely turned back over to the occupant. The homeowner had already contacted the manufacturer and scheduled service prior to returning the unit to operation. Fire officials emphasized that early 911 notification, proper fire extinguisher use, and proactive maintenance all played a critical role in the safe outcome, noting that the incident could have ended very differently without those actions.