Vermont Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Vermont - April 21, 2026

Overview

Vermont's spring wildland fire season is officially underway. The state has experienced an elevated fire risk recently due to a combination of windy, warm, and dry weather conditions that created an abundance of dry, dormant vegetation ready to fuel brush fires, particularly in the Champlain Valley and southern Vermont.

The current Vermont Statewide Preparedness Level is 1, the Eastern Area Preparedness Level is 1, and the National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating a moderate level of national readiness where local geographic areas are managing incidents well.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There have been 26 wildland fires reported statewide this year, burning approximately 144 acres. Over the last 72 hours, firefighters and local wardens have remained vigilant as dormant, dry spring grasslands and dead leaves from the previous fall have quickly become receptive fuels. Clean-up after a long winter season generates a great deal of debris burning activity, which remains the leading cause of wildfires in the state. Initial attack crews remain on standby to respond to any new starts.

Key Fires:

• Ferrisburgh Fire: This recent fire grew to over 100 acres in a field on Burroughs Farm Road. It was pushed by wind across dry grass, fields, and into the woods. Multiple local departments responded and successfully contained the blaze. Officials believe it was human-caused and fueled by dormant, dry winter vegetation and dead grass.
• Fair Haven Fire: Located on forested private property in Fair Haven, this 11-acre fire started from a brush burning incident. It is characterized as a "duff fire," which burns underground and eats through compacted plant material like leaves and bark under the forest floor.
• Pomfret Fire: A 4-acre brush fire broke out in North Pomfret just west of the Clifford Road and Caper Street intersection. Fueled by dry brush and perfectly aligned weather conditions, the fire was successfully contained in just over two hours.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The U.S. Forest Service is conducting prescribed fire operations this spring in the Green Mountain National Forest, targeting approximately 350 acres on the Rochester/Middlebury Ranger District, 550 acres on the Manchester Ranger District, and additional parcels near Woodstock. These burns aim to maintain early successional habitat and reduce overgrown vegetation to protect local communities and limit available fuel for wildfires. Additionally, the Vermont National Guard Environmental Office is conducting controlled burns in select areas of the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho throughout April, weather permitting.

Burn Bans and Air Quality: While there are no State-issued burning restrictions at this time, local conditions vary. The Town of Brattleboro recently lifted a strict local burn ban on April 20 due to recent improvements in weather conditions. Residents in towns surrounding prescribed burns may observe large plumes of smoke, though there are currently no major air quality alerts related to wildfire smoke in Vermont.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A recent shift in weather patterns has brought cooler temperatures, rain, and light snow to the region. This incoming precipitation is expected to further dampen fine dead fuels across the state and mitigate immediate risks.
Forecasted Weather: No Red Flag Warnings are currently in effect for Vermont. While conditions will trend drier toward the middle of the week with relative humidities likely dropping, the wet and cold surface conditions should limit fire weather concerns over the next 72 hours.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to check with their local town fire warden to obtain a burn permit prior to any open burning, as local restrictions supersede state guidance. It is essential to ensure that any permitted fires are completely extinguished and properly disposed of, and to have a water source ready before doing any open burning.
Resource Allocation: The Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) is actively monitoring fire danger risks and providing daily updates. Local fire departments are ramping up and conducting full-systems checks of brush fire gear to prepare for the spring season.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation - Wildland Fire Updates: fpr.vermont.gov/forest/wildland-fires

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.