Vermont Business Magazine On January 17, 2024, at approximately 2:30 AM, reports of a building fire located at 246 Main Street in Winooski, Vermont were received. 1st alarm units (St. Michael’s College Fire & Rescue, Vermont Air National Guard, and Burlington Fire Department) were dispatched to initially assist Winooski units. Several first responders reported visible flames from multiple viewpoints in the city. Minutes later, the first arriving Chief Officer (Chief Bruce Palmer, Winooski Fire Department) communicated that heavy fire conditions were showing from 246 Main Street and 8 Stevens Street. A 2nd alarm was requested, adding additional mutual aid resources from Burlington, Colchester, South Burlington fire departments, and UVM Rescue.
Based on the extremely dangerous fire conditions and the known existing building damage from a previous fire in January 2023 at the same locations, Chief Palmer requested a 3rd alarm, resulting in support from Essex Town, City of Essex Junction, and Williston fire departments. Crews were directed to take defensive actions where aerial ladder trucks were deployed for containment and extinguishment. Crews were able to contain the fire to the buildings at 246 Main Street and 8 Stevens Street, however the two properties sustained major structural damage(s) and were demolished as part of the complete extinguishment and investigation. Two nearby structures sustained exterior damage.
It took approximately 4 hours to bring the fires under control, and 16 hours for investigation and demolition. Crews battled harsh winter conditions which resulted in two firefighter (ice-related) injuries. The logistics of these conditions made fighting two large structure fires difficult, but ultimately resulted in a successful operation and we’re thankful for service provided by our public safety teams and their efforts to keep Winooski residents safe.
As part of the Fire Chief’s assessment of the scene, the Winooski Police Department and the Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit were requested to assist with determining the origin and cause of the fire event. The investigation revealed that the area of origin was the attached covered porch on south side of the structure at 8 Stevens Street. The cause of the fire is considered to be incendiary, the result of direct human involvement.
While the scene examination was being conducted, the Winooski Police Department was able to identify a person of interest regarding this fire. This resulted in the arrest of Patrick W. Ibbotson, charges include Reckless Endangerment, Setting Fires, and Unlawful Mischief.
It should be noted that on January 31, 2023, another fire event took place at the same location(s). Three businesses occupied storefront space at 246 Main Street and at least two families were displaced as a result. The fire is still actively under investigation and foul play has not been ruled out. People with information about the fire that occurred on January 31, 2023 may contact the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program at 1-800-32-ARSON. The Arson Tip Award Program is a separate entity from the Department of Public Safety that offers a reward up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this case (funded from insurance companies).
Full list of assisting mutual aid partners (alphabetical):
- Burlington Fire Department
- Colchester Fire Department
- Essex Junction Fire Department
- Essex Town Fire Department
- South Burlington Fire Department
- St. Michaels Fire & Rescue
- University of Vermont Rescue
- University of Vermont Police
- Vermont Air National Guard
- Vermont Division of Fire Safety
- Vermont State Police
- Williston Fire Department
- Winooski Department of Public Works
- Winooski Police Department
Source: City of Winooski. 1.22.2024.
