Board seeks fire-department data as volunteers dwindle

Selectboard members warned that volunteer capacity and aging equipment pose operational risks for the Fire Department and asked the department to present detailed data. Casey Mathieu and Julia Andrews cited aging apparatus and suggested exploring a joint arrangement with neighboring towns to maintain coverage.

The board asked the Fire Department to attend an upcoming meeting with specific data on call volume, mutual aid calls, current coverage needs and calls that are not responded to. Lee McClenny cautioned that volunteer services are dwindling and reminded the board the department is not under direct town supervision, noting it answers to the Secretary of State’s office.