5 Critical Updates On The Burlington VT Fire Department: New Chief, Budget Crisis, And A Groundbreaking Opioid Initiative
The Burlington VT Fire Department (BFD), the largest fire department in the State of Vermont, is currently navigating a period of significant change and advanced community-focused initiatives. As of late December 2025, the department is under new leadership and is spearheading a groundbreaking medical response program, all while facing the financial realities of a challenging city budget cycle.
The BFD’s mission remains centered on fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), risk reduction, and all-hazard mitigation. However, its modern role has expanded to include critical social and public health responses, particularly in addressing the opioid crisis that affects the entire region. The recent appointment of a new Fire Chief and the ongoing FY26 budget discussions are the most critical updates impacting operations today.
The Biography of Burlington's New Fire Chief, Michael Curtin
The Burlington Fire Department officially welcomed a new era of leadership in 2025 with the appointment of Michael Curtin as the new Fire Chief. Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak announced the appointment, which was later confirmed on June 2nd, 2025, marking a significant transition for the department.
- Name: Michael Curtin
- Current Role: Fire Chief, Burlington Fire Department (BFD)
- Appointing Authority: Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak
- Date Confirmed: June 2, 2025
- Service History: Joined the BFD as a firefighter in 2002.
- Previous Role: Served as Deputy Fire Chief prior to his appointment as Chief.
- Certifications: Holds professional certifications including Fire Officer Level II from the Vermont Fire Academy.
- Experience: Has demonstrated capable leadership throughout his more than two decades of service within the BFD.
Chief Curtin’s long tenure within the department, starting as a firefighter, provides him with deep institutional knowledge and a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by BFD personnel. His leadership is expected to focus on maintaining the department’s high standards of emergency medical services and fire suppression while championing new public health initiatives.
The Groundbreaking PREVENT Initiative and Opioid Response
One of the most unique and progressive programs currently underway at the Burlington Fire Department is the PREVENT Initiative. This pioneering program represents a significant expansion of the BFD’s role beyond traditional fire and rescue, positioning the department at the forefront of the public health crisis surrounding opioid use disorder (OUD).
The core of the PREVENT Initiative is its focus on empowering first responders—specifically BFD paramedics and Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs)—to administer Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone).
Administering Suboxone in the Field
Suboxone is a critical, evidence-based medication used for treating OUD. By enabling paramedics and AEMTs to administer this medication directly in the field, the BFD is bridging a critical gap in immediate care and long-term recovery efforts. This approach significantly increases the chance of connecting individuals with ongoing treatment and reducing fatal overdoses.
The initiative promotes a collaborative approach, working alongside the Burlington Police Department and wider community organizations. This multi-agency effort is essential for fostering a comprehensive system of care that addresses not only the immediate emergency but also the underlying issues of addiction in the community.
BFD’s Role in the FY26 Budget Crisis
The Burlington Fire Department operates within the financial framework of the City of Burlington, which has recently been grappling with a substantial fiscal challenge. The Mayor's Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget proposal was developed to close a looming and significant gap between expected revenues and expenses, estimated to be between $8 million and $12 million.
This budget crisis has forced the city administration to consider difficult measures, which inevitably affect all general fund departments, including the BFD. Discussions have highlighted the need to address the unsustainable growth of City government and services over recent years.
Potential Impact on Fire Services
While the goal is to maintain essential public safety services, the BFD’s budget is directly tied to the city’s ability to generate revenue. One proposal discussed to help close the deficit was a potential 5-cent increase to the police and fire tax, which could raise approximately $3 million for public safety services.
The outcome of these budget negotiations will determine staffing levels, capital expenditures (such as new apparatus), and the long-term viability of community programs like the PREVENT Initiative. The BFD’s ability to continue its mission of fire suppression, EMS, and risk reduction hinges on a stable and sustainable financial plan from the city.
Key BFD Stations and Operational Hubs
The Burlington Fire Department protects the City of Burlington, Vermont, operating out of several strategic locations to ensure rapid response times across the city’s unique geography. The BFD is recognized as the largest department of its kind in the state.
- Fire Station 1 / Headquarters: Located at 136 South Winooski Avenue, this is the Central Fire Station. This massive masonry structure was originally built between 1926 and 1927 and serves as the primary administrative and operational hub.
- Fire Station 2: Located at 132 North Avenue, this station serves the northern sectors of Burlington.
- Fire Station 3: Located at 20 Mansfield Avenue, this historic station was placed in service in 1895 when the Burlington Fire Department was formally founded. It responds first to the city's historic districts.
These fire stations are the bases for the men and women who provide round-the-clock emergency medical services and fire protection. The BFD’s comprehensive service model includes not only responding to structure fires but also managing hazardous materials incidents and providing advanced life support. For example, the department recently responded to a Hazardous Materials Investigation on February 5, 2025, and an Intervale Rd Encampment Fire on February 3, 2025, showcasing their all-hazard mitigation capabilities.
Future Focus: Risk Reduction and Community Safety
Under Chief Curtin’s leadership, the Burlington Fire Department is set to intensify its focus on risk reduction and community education. The department’s mission emphasizes proactive measures to prevent emergencies before they happen, complementing the critical work of fire suppression and EMS.
Programs like the Community Response Team (CRT) and various fire safety education initiatives are vital components of this strategy. By actively engaging with the public and implementing innovative medical responses like the PREVENT Initiative, the BFD is evolving to meet the complex demands of a modern city. The department is a critical pillar of public safety, ensuring the protection and well-being of the residents and visitors of Burlington, Vermont, well into the future.
Detail Author:
- Name : Heather Kshlerin
- Username : arvilla.king
- Email : vesta.franecki@strosin.org
- Birthdate : 2000-09-20
- Address : 1917 Gardner Shoals Suite 488 Lake Hugh, IL 70554-8001
- Phone : +16784003531
- Company : Thompson-Bailey
- Job : Forming Machine Operator
- Bio : Possimus commodi quo a ratione. Eos delectus et ex ut aut et. Dolor voluptatem dolores mollitia repellendus numquam. Praesentium optio non qui sit in corporis aut.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/terence9745
- username : terence9745
- bio : Ipsum voluptas aut assumenda et autem assumenda.
- followers : 2061
- following : 1251
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/crist1994
- username : crist1994
- bio : Mollitia repudiandae assumenda suscipit. Voluptatibus odio delectus non sint ut. Soluta officia ut qui fugit.
- followers : 2078
- following : 1127
