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Bolton Fire Commission reviews equipment plans, training updates and ditches proposed Route 44 dry hydrant
Summary
At its Nov. 24 meeting the Bolton Fire Commission heard operational and training updates from Chief Dixon and Fire Marshal Bill Call, approved routine minutes, and was told a proposed dry hydrant at the Route 44 pond is no longer feasible due to access issues.
Fire Commission Chairman John Morianos convened the Bolton Fire Commission at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 24 at the Bolton Fire House. Commissioners received a multi-part operational briefing from Chief Dixon and an inspection update from Fire Marshal Bill Call, approved minutes from Oct. 27 and adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Chief Dixon reported the department handled 39 calls since the previous meeting, including four motor vehicle accidents (two on Route 6 and one on I-384), multiple EMS calls and one CPR call. He said a brush fire on Route 44 produced no findable ignition source. Chief Dixon also told commissioners that the operations budget is currently on target.
On capital items, Chief Dixon said the department has submitted Capital Improvement Project requests to Town Hall for a gear washer and dryer and for radio tower restoration. He said mobile radios are on order and scheduled to arrive for front-line apparatus in spring 2026 and that the department is researching E hydraulic tools with a decision expected in January 2026.
When Commissioner Chris Moquin asked where wastewater from the proposed washer would discharge, Chief Dixon replied, "It goes into the septic at the fire house." The commission did not record further engineering or permitting details during the meeting.
Fire Marshal Bill Call reported recent activity including attendance at a CRFMA meeting in Plainville, completion of the 131 Birch Mountain fire report (sent to the property owner) and installation of a senior Knox Box. Inspections completed since the last meeting included a re-inspection of Saint Maurice Church, a town-wide fire alarm recheck (noting no progress on alarm work), a holiday-focused check at Dollar General, issuance of one burn permit and an inspection related to future construction and possible egress issues.
During old business, Chief Dixon said that although Commissioner Robert Langton is moving out of town, Langton will remain on the commission. The chief also said senior officers reviewed the prospect of a dry hydrant at the pond on Route 44 and that the option is "no longer an option due to accessibility to the water." The commission did not take a formal vote to pursue alternative water-access measures at the meeting.
Routine business items were handled with motions recorded as (CM/DM), indicating Chris Moquin and Danny Moquin were the mover and seconder. The commission moved to approve the Oct. 27, 2025 minutes and later moved to adjourn at 7:22 p.m.; the adjournment motion was recorded as voice unanimous.
The commission scheduled its next regular meeting for Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Board Clerk Janet K. Assard signed and submitted the meeting minutes with the standard notice that subsequent minutes may include corrections.
