Jan. 19, 2026 — An early-morning structure fire destroyed a two-unit apartment building on Liberty Street after Swanton Village Fire Department was dispatched at 5:24 a.m. for reports of heavy smoke and a visible glow in the area. Responding units included Engine 2, Ladder 4, Engine 3, and Car 5, which arrived to find the building heavily involved. Initial crews deployed two handlines and worked to establish a water supply, though efforts were complicated by a frozen hydrant near the scene. Improved water access was achieved once additional apparatus arrived. One tenant was home at the time and reported the fire started in the kitchen. The occupant attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but was unsuccessful and exited the building after sustaining minor burns to the hands. The individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The second apartment was unoccupied at the time. Despite an aggressive fire attack, the building was deemed a total loss, and a nearby structure sustained heat and water damage. Swanton Fire Department was assisted by St. Albans Town Fire Department, Highgate Volunteer Fire Department, Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department, Missisquoi Valley Rescue, Swanton Police, Central Dispatch, and St. Armand Fire Department.