Multiple Suspicious Brush Fires

Around 1845hrs on May 8th Essex Town and Essex Junction Fire were dispatched to a small brush fire at the end of Perizo Drive. The first firefighter on scene reported a small fire that was quickly growing. 8U61 and Engine 21 responded to the call with 8 personnel. 61 arrived on scene and started gathering tools to start fighting the brush fire which was quickly spreading. 21 arrived on scene to find the fire would be out of reach of their hose-lines. Seeing there was a path that would lead them closer to the fire crews cut a chain and proceeded down the path to start the attack on the brush-fire. By this time the fire had grown considerably with the fire line moving quickly along the top of the leaves and brush. Flames were about 5 feet high so crews grabbed a 1 3/4" hand-line to help hit the fire.

15 Engine 2 arrived on scene and their crews began helping rake up the fire. Engine 2 Supplied water to Engine 21. After about an hour on scene the fire was declared out and all crews returned to quarters. Crews quickly put Engine 21 back together, which was good.

At 2000hrs, crews were dispatched to a brush-fire behind the Subway on Pearl Street in Essex Junction. At the same time a call came in reporting another fire by the Dog Park off from West Street in Essex Junction. Engine 21 responded to the Brush Fire on Pearl Street, while Engine 5 and 15 Engine 2 went to take the fire at the Dog Park. While responding crews were alerted by dispatch that they believed both calls to the same fire. Crews found another well involved brush-fire across from Harley Davidson. Crews pulled a hand line off from 21 and proceeded to attack the fire. Engine 5 proceeded to the West street side and their crew assisted with overhaul and scene lighting.

Essex Police determined the two fires to be suspicious as there were people observed in the area before the fire started. Anyone with information about the fires is requested to call Essex Police at 802-878-8331