Bolton Fire Department reports 88 calls since March, new UTV and training contract

Bolton Fire Chief Bruce Dixon told the Bolton Fire Commission on April 28 that the department responded to 88 emergency calls since March 1, 2025, including one water rescue, three brush fires, two LPG leaks, three motor vehicle accidents, two fire alarms, three CPR calls, 11 incidents involving trees or wires down, and five mutual aid calls to nearby towns.

Chief Dixon also reported administrative and operational updates: ongoing discussions with the town administrator about payroll; issues arising from incorrect minutes from the Board of Selectmen; delivery of a new Polaris Ranger UTV intended for member safety, fire suppression and EMS transport; and annual servicing and certifications for apparatus, including pump and DOT inspections plus hose and ladder testing. The chief said SCBA mask fit tests, air quality tests and interior gear cleaning are planned in the coming month, and the department has entered a contract with Lexipol for firefighter and EMS online training.

Fire Marshal Bill Call presented his report on inspections and prevention work. He noted installation of two Senior Knox Boxes, attendance at regional conferences and ceremonies, inspections of multiunit properties (South Road apartments and a reinspection at 65 Sunset), issuance of four burn permits with on-site inspections, and three-year inspection cycles for certain businesses such as Amazing Floors and M & M Oil.

The commission recorded no public comment and did not take action on the operational reports. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.