Late-Night Fire in Ferrisburgh Home Contained by Vergennes Firefighters
Photo by Courtesy of 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 Courtesy of 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 Courtesy of 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 Courtesy of City Of Vergennes Fire DepartmentIntense flames extend from the garage attic area while firefighters position lines to begin knocking down the fire.
Photo by Courtesy of City Of Vergennes Fire DepartmentVergennes firefighters operate alongside a fire engine while additional crews move equipment toward the structure during the overnight response.
March 5, 2026 — 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 instructed to evacuate 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. Fire officials remind residents that wood ashes can retain heat for many hours or even days and should always be placed in a metal container and kept well away from structures or other combustible materials. Mutual aid assistance was provided by the Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department, Addison Volunteer Fire Department, New Haven Volunteer Fire Department, Charlotte Fire and Rescue Services, Monkton Volunteer Fire Department, Bristol Fire Department, and the Middlebury Fire Department, along with support from Green Mountain Power and Sheehan Excavation.
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