Charlestown Fire Department

03/13/2026

01/24/2026

With the predicted storm coming please help us help you and your neighbors

01/05/2026

It was a very busy year for the Charlestown Fire Department. The department received a total of 442 requests for service in 2025. This represents a 20% increase in call volume over 2024. The department continues to get busier and busier with more demands on our services. If you look at the last 1/3rd of the year call volumes were about 43% higher than the same period of time in 2024.

Not only has the total volume of calls increased so has their complexity and acuity. The state and federal government breaks our call types down into 8 categories; Fires, Overpressures/Explosions, Rescues & EMS, Hazardous Conditions (with no fire), Service Calls, Good intent calls, False Alarms, and Severe weather/natural disasters. The fire department saw an increase across the board in all service areas with the exception of False Alarms which decreased by 24% compared to last year. The most serious category, fires, increased 100% over last year. With ongoing development in Charlestown including both residential and commercial properties coming into town we expect demand to continue to rise.

The department recruited 11 new members throughout 2025. This is an incredible accomplishment given the national difficulties fire departments are facing with regards to staffing, retention, and recruitment. I am so thankful for these individuals stepping up and helping their community.

Fifteen of our members completed training that lead to new certifications throughout the year. This includes EMT training from the basic level to the advanced level and fire specific training as well. These employees have literally dedicated thousands of hours of time studying, attending classes and practical sessions, doing clinicals, and testing to make this accomplishment happen. We are nothing without these dedicated public servants. I can’t thank them enough for all of their hard work and dedication.

We thank the town for their ongoing support in our department.

Chief J. Beaudry
Charlestown Fire Department

11/21/2025

✨ ’Tis the Season to Clean Your Chimneys! ✨

As the weather gets colder and we all start lighting up those woodstoves and fireplaces, it’s the perfect time to make sure your chimney is clean, safe, and ready for winter. A quick inspection and cleaning can prevent dangerous creosote buildup and reduce the risk of a chimney fire, keeping your home warm and your family safe.

Last night, Charlestown Fire Department members completed hands-on training focused on chimney fires and seasonal fire safety.

Stay safe, stay warm, and give those chimneys a little love this season.

11/09/2025

Still a few dozen left. @ 9:50am

10/05/2025

Many Charlestown Fire Fighters were trained by Captain Clark thru his work with the Vermont fire Academy. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters at Bellows Falls Bellows Falls Fire Department and all of those who knew him. Rest easy Captain.

It is with great sadness that the Bellows Falls Fire Department announces the passing of Captain Larry Clark. Captain Clark was a devoted 58 year member, who responded to calls faithfully, right up until his illness kept him from doing so earlier this year. Captain Clark joined the department in November of 1967, and was pinned with his badge in December of the same year, something that he took great pride in. Captain Clark became an instructor for the Vermont Fire Academy, working on new curriculum, teaching classes and spreading his knowledge of the fire service with others. After stepping down as Captain in 2002, he became a Safety Officer for the department. Captain Clark was on duty the night of the Star Hotel fire, in which two Bellows Falls firefighters lost their lives. This tragedy had a profound effect on him, making safety and training in the fire service a serious topic for him. He spoke about this in the Called To Duty documentary that was done in 2021, something that he found to be therapeutic for him. Larry was a dear friend and mentor to us all, he will be missed not only at the kitchen table in the firehouse, but on fire scenes as well.

08/15/2025

The state of New Hampshire rating for the weekend is very high no permits will be issued.

08/09/2025

From the state of New Hampshire today rating is high for the weekend.

04/21/2025

Just after 3 pm this afternoon the Charlestown Fire Department was notified of a fire in the woods in the area of the state highway garage off of RT. 12. Upon arrival an active fire was found about 250 feet off of the roadway to the west of the railroad tracks. Winds were moderate at the time and were pushing the fire to the north

The railroad was notified to suspend traffic thru Charlestown. Crews deployed multiple hand lines from RT 12 across the tracks into the area that was burning.

Charlestown units were assisted on scene by members of the Springfield Fire Department and the North Walpole Fire Department. Acworth Fire Department provided coverage in Charlestown.

The crews were able to very quickly contain the fire. It took some time to overhaul the area and ensure complete extinguishment.

The fire is suspicious and has been referred to the New Hampshire Forest Ranger Service.

Charlestown Fire appreciates all the help we received from our mutual aid partners.

If anyone has any information about this fire please contact the Charlestown Police Department.

Thank you.