Town fire officials warn of high fire danger, report multiple dry hydrants and expect mutual-aid deployments

Fire and emergency medical services leaders told the Selectmen on an evening meeting that drought conditions have left several local dry hydrants out of service and that the department has supplied personnel and equipment to statewide mobilizations for larger fires. Chief Fletcher said several dry hydrants and ponds used for firefighting are low or empty, and the department has suspended Category 3 brush-burning permits; Category 1 and 2 permits remain available but could be halted if rain does not arrive. The department supplied an engine and two firefighters to assist in a regional response and may receive additional mobilization requests overnight, Fletcher said. He urged residents to keep campfires small, have a hose available and ensure any fire is fully extinguished before leaving it. Fletcher also updated the board on staffing and equipment: two employees recently completed paramedic and EMT training and national exam preparation, many members have completed required online continuing education recognized by Lexipol, and the new ambulance ordered nearly three years ago has entered production and is expected in late September. The board and department discussed race weekend staffing and traffic plans; Fletcher said a northbound detour on Route 129 will be used on race day and will be signed accordingly. No ordinance or new policy changes were enacted during the discussion; the Selectmen received the department’s status report and the chief’s request that the public exercise caution with open burning during the dry spell.