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Local fire chief warns new state law shifting fire-warden duties to chiefs raises workload and training concerns
Summary
A recent Vermont law change that names fire chiefs as forest fire wardens was discussed at the Morristown Select Board meeting; longtime chief Denny urged the town to back local chiefs and asked for clarification about training and reporting requirements.
The Morristown Select Board heard concerns from the town's longtime fire chief about a state law change that now makes municipal fire chiefs the official forest fire wardens.
Denny, who has served as a volunteer fire chief and in warden roles for decades, told the board he received little notice of the change and described additional reporting duties and technical data the state expects, including wind speed, temperature and a written incident diagram. "The state right now has pretty much kicked all the wardens in the **** more or less fired because... I can't seem to get an answer," he said, arguing the policy shift increases responsibilities without clear state support.
Board members acknowledged the difficulty for small, volunteer departments and agreed to seek clarification from state agencies. The town manager said the item would remain an "FYI" and could return as an agenda item after staff has more information from the state. Several members expressed appreciation that Denny was willing to continue while stressing the need to recruit and retain future chiefs if duties expand.
No formal action was taken; the board asked staff to gather answers from the state and to consider whether the town should provide local backstopping or training.
