Improperly Disposed Ashes Spark Ferrisburgh House Fire
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire DepartmentFire engulfs the upper portion of a Ferrisburgh home’s garage and attic area as firefighters begin suppression operations during the late-night structure fire on March 5, 2026.
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire DepartmentFirefighters advance hose lines up a snow-covered driveway toward the burning residence as flames and heavy smoke vent from the roof area.
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire DepartmentSmoke and fire conditions remain visible from the roofline as crews work to ventilate and control the blaze from multiple points around the structure.
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire DepartmentIntense flames extend from the garage attic area while firefighters position lines to begin knocking down the fire.
Photo by City Of Vergennes Fire DepartmentVergennes firefighters operate alongside a fire engine while additional crews move equipment toward the structure during the overnight response.
FERRISBURGH, VT - On March 5th, the City of Vergennes Fire Department responded to a confirmed late-night structure fire in its Ferrisburgh district at approximately 10:32 p.m., prompting a large mutual aid response from surrounding departments.
While en route, the first arriving officer observed a significant flame presence and requested additional resources. Upon arrival, crews found a one-story residence with an attached garage showing active fire from the B side of the structure.
Two occupants were believed to still be inside the home, prompting the first arriving officer to enter the structure and locate them on the first floor. Both residents were safely evacuated before fire conditions worsened, though heavy fire activity could be heard in the attic space above.
Firefighters from Vergennes Engine 1 quickly deployed two handlines—one attacking the fire above the garage from the exterior and another advancing through the front door to begin an interior attack. Interior crews worked aggressively to stop the fire’s spread as flames had extended through the attic from one end of the home to the other. Firefighters accessed a stairway leading to the upper storage space and pulled ceilings throughout the living room to expose and extinguish hidden fire.
Apparatus access proved challenging due to a long, steep driveway, requiring multiple responding crews to park along the roadway and carry tools and equipment to the residence. Through coordinated efforts with mutual aid departments, firefighters were able to contain the fire primarily to the attic space, limiting the overall structural damage. Although smoke and water damage occurred, crews were able to salvage several areas of the home and personal belongings.
One civilian was evaluated by the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad for smoke inhalation and was transported as a precaution by private vehicle. Firefighters cleared the scene around 3:00 a.m. Investigators from the Addison County Fire Investigation Team later determined the fire originated from improperly disposed wood ashes placed near a wood pile earlier in the day.
Mutual aid assistance was provided by the Ferrisburgh Vol. FD, Addison Vol. FD, New Haven Vol. FD, Charlotte Fire and Rescue Services, Monkton Vol. FD, Bristol FD, and the Middlebury FD, along with support from Green Mountain Power and Sheehan Excavation.
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