At Bury’s town council meeting February 3, the first of two public question periods focused exclusively on perceived initial inaction by the Bury Fire Department in responding to a recent house fire at 591 Main Street, Bury, on Sunday morning, January 26.  

Bury resident Nancy Desbiens reported watching the progress of the fire from a nearby residence. She noted one fire engine arrived carrying only a few firefighters, who stood and watched as the spreading fire engulfed a garage at the back of the house. She expressed deep concern over what appeared to her to be inexplicable delays in attempting to douse the fire. 

Mayor Denis Savage listened intently and later said that fire crew response is governed by strict safety and logistical protocols. 

When a fire is reported, Bury’s all-volunteer firefighters receive a call wherever they may be at the time―at home, at work, or on the road. A single individual cannot take the truck to the scene of a fire and begin fighting the fire alone. A specified number of the crew must be present when using the equipment because the heavy hoses require a minimum number to operate them safely and effectively. 

Mayor Savage said he understood the concerns, although he was not present at the time so had not personally witnessed the events Desbiens was referring to. He said he could not comment further until an incident report from Fire Chief Edward Jacklin was submitted, received, and evaluated. 

The full six members of the Bury town council assembled at the February 3 meeting, a snowy evening, along with a few intrepid town residents.