Vermont Division of Fire Safety

06/18/2026

Royalton Barracks / Fatal fire investigation


STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE



CASE #: 26B2003004

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Detective Trooper Mengbei Wang

STATION: VSP Royalton

CONTACT #: 802-234-9933



DATE/TIME: 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2026

INCIDENT LOCATION: 5 North Common, Chelsea, VT

INCIDENT: Fatal fire investigation





SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

The Vermont State Police is investigating the deaths of two people whose bodies were found following a fire early Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at a house in Chelsea.



The fire was reported at about 3:15 a.m. at a single-family residence at 5 North Common. Members of multiple fire departments including Chelsea and Tunbridge responded and extinguished the blaze after approximately 3.5 hours. The building is a total loss.



During a subsequent search of the structure, investigators located the remains of two people. Their bodies will be brought to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for autopsies to confirm their identities and determine the cause and manner of their deaths.



The deaths are being investigated by the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations – Troop B East. The origin and cause of the fire is under investigation by the Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit.



Anyone with information that might aid investigators is asked to call VSP’s Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933 or provide an anonymous tip online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.



No additional details are available at this time. The state police will share updates as the case proceeds.

06/17/2026

Congratulations

06/15/2026

Congratulations, Blake

Congratulations to Blake Harrison, Department of Public Safety recipient of a 2026 Public Service Recognition Award! Blake is the Site Coordinator at the Vermont Fire Academy, and he demonstrates a deep commitment to our mission every day. He works tirelessly to meet the needs of Vermont’s firefighters and the public that we serve with an infectious “can do” attitude that is matched by his abilities. DPS is proud and appreciative of all that Blake brings to public service.

06/07/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Assistant State Fire Marshal Chris Boyd! 🏆

The Vermont Division of Fire Safety is proud to recognize Assistant State Fire Marshal Chris Boyd for being named Fire Investigator of the Year by the VT international Association of Arson Investigators

Chris has been an original member of the Department of Public Safety’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit (FEIU) and has dedicated countless years to advancing the profession of fire investigation in Vermont. As the Senior Investigator for the Division of Fire Safety, Chris is a highly respected leader, mentor, and trusted source of knowledge within our organization. His experience, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have helped shape the next generation of fire investigators while strengthening our mission to serve the people of Vermont.

Chris’s leadership, dedication, and willingness to share his expertise have made him an invaluable member of our team. We are honored to work alongside him and grateful for the impact he continues to have on the fire service and fire investigation community.

Please join us in congratulating Chris on this well-deserved recognition. We are proud to have him on our team and thank him for his continued service to Vermont.

National Association of Fire Investigators, International
National Association of State Fire Marshals

🚒🔥

06/07/2026

Recently, members of the Vermont Division of Fire Safety’s Juvenile (Youth) Firesetting Intervention (YFSI) Team participated in training to enhance their ability to serve communities across Vermont.

The YFSI Team works with youth up to the age of 18 who have demonstrated firesetting behavior. Through education, assessment, intervention, and prevention strategies, the team helps reduce the risk of future incidents while providing support and resources to families, schools, fire departments, and community partners.

Referrals can come from parents, guardians, schools, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, social service organizations, or other community partners.

Requests for assistance should be directed to YFSI Team Lead Assistant State Fire Marshal Jesse Dobiecki. Referrals may also be initiated through the DPS On-Call Fire Investigator. The requesting party’s contact information and details regarding the concern will be forwarded to the YFSI Team, and a team member will follow up during normal business hours.

The YFSI Team is dedicated to helping Vermont youth and families through education, intervention, and community partnership.

To learn more about the program, visit:
firesafety.vermont.gov/pubed/programs/youth

05/27/2026

“Today was an exciting and productive day meeting with United States Fire Administrator Chief Paul Matheis in Washington, D.C.,” stated Vermont Division of Fire Safety Director Michael Desrochers.

Director Desrochers participated in the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) Executive Board meeting with Chief Matheis to discuss strengthening partnerships and enhancing emergency preparedness nationwide.

The Vermont Division of Fire Safety appreciates the continued collaboration between state and federal partners in support of the fire service and the communities we serve.

The NASFM Executive Board had the honor of meeting with newly appointed U.S. Fire Administrator Chief Paul Matheis to discuss strengthening partnerships and enhancing emergency readiness across the states.

Also participating in the meeting were FEMA Deputy Administrator Charles Wollenhaupt, NASFM President Michael Desrochers, Vice President Brian Taylor, Treasurer Sean Toomey, and Chief Butch Browning. Together, these leaders remain committed to collaboration, innovation, and improving preparedness for communities nationwide.

05/16/2026

The Vemront Division of Fire Safety and the Office of the State Fire Marshal extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow firefighters mourning the loss of a firefighter killed in the line of duty during the devastating explosion and fire at the Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont, Maine.

We also continue to keep the injured firefighters, emergency responders, mill employees, and the entire Searsmont community in our thoughts as they face the difficult days ahead.

This tragic incident is a powerful reminder of the dangers firefighters and emergency responders face every time they answer the call. Their courage and dedication in the service of others will never be forgotten.

We stand with our brothers and sisters in Maine and with all agencies involved in the ongoing response and recovery efforts. 🇺🇸🚒

05/16/2026

During National Law Enforcement Week, the Vermont Division of Fire Safety Fire Marshal’s Office stands in solidarity with the members of Vermont's law enforcement community who serve and protect our communities every day.

We recognize the dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice of the men and women of the Vermont State Police and all local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across Vermont and the nation.

The Fire Marshal’s Office works closely alongside our law enforcement partners during fire investigations, emergency incidents, hazardous materials responses, and public safety operations. Their commitment to protecting the public does not go unnoticed.

This week, we especially honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and remember the families, friends, and fellow officers who continue to carry their legacy forward.

Thank you to all law enforcement officers for your service, courage, and continued partnership.

04/17/2026

Weather is changing in Vermont and we are ready for the warmer months in front of us ☀️ Our jobs bring us to areas across the State—do you know where this location is? Drop your guess in the comments! 👇

Since it’s Friday, how about a Fire Safety Tip 🔥

As you start spending more time outdoors, remember to check your grill before firing it up. Keep grills at least 10 feet away from buildings, decks, and anything that can burn. Always keep a close eye while cooking—unattended grills are a leading cause of outdoor fires.

Enjoy the warmer weather and stay fire safe, Vermont!

03/16/2026

Fatal fire investigation

STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

CASE #: 26A3002047
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Detective Sgt. Christopher Blais, Detective Sgt David Hurwitch
DFS INVESTIGATOR: Assistant State Fire Marshal Jesse Dobiecki, Assistant State Fire Marshal Jay Moody, Assistant State Fire Marshal Shawn Goodell
STATION: St. Albans Barracks
CONTACT #: 802-524-5993

DATE/TIME: 3/15/2026, at approximately 0500
INCIDENT LOCATION: 2757 West Hill Rd, Montgomery

VICTIM: Pending positive identification and notification of relatives
AGE:
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Montgomery, VT


SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

At about 5 a.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026, the Montgomery Fire Department was dispatched to a fire at in the area of 2757 West Hill Rd. in Montgomery. The fire department found the home fully involved and partially collapsed on arrival. The Fire Department received information that an elderly homeowner was unaccounted for at the fire scene.

Montgomery Fire requested the assistance of the Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit in determining the origin and cause of the fire and assisting in locating any victims. Members of the FEIU worked with Montgomery fire to overhaul and investigate the fire. During investigation the remains of an unidentified person were located within the home. Preliminary investigation was unable to determine the cause of the fire, however it is not considered suspicious. The victim was transported to the Chief Medical Examiner's Office in Burlington for autopsy. Identification of the victim is pending positive identification and notification of relatives.

Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Christopher Blais at VSP's Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933, or Detective Sgt. Josh Hansell at the St. Albans Barracks, 802-524-5993. Information also may be submitted by contacting the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program (VATAP) hotline at 1-800-32-ARSON (1-800-322-7766).