by Guy Page

Two of the usual culprits of an accidental fire – smoking and woodstoves – were at work again in recent Northern Vermont home fires. 

Smoking causes apartment fire – In the evening of February 1, the Underhill/Jericho Fire Department contained an accidental fire coming from an enclosed porch at the rear of the Rte. 15 home.  Firefighters were able to contain and suppress the fire to the downstairs apartment. The upstairs apartment sustained minor smoke and water damage. Investigators say the fire was caused by smoking materials igniting nearby combustible materials.

The basement apartment was heavily damaged by fire and smoke.  The second-floor apartment was impacted by smoke and water.  One firefighter sustained a burn injury during suppression efforts. Damage to the property and contents is estimated over $75,000. All four tenants were displaced due to the fire.

Uninsured home lost – Shortly after 6 AM Friday, Feb. 2, the Middlesex Fire Dept. was called to a structure fire on Sunny Brook Road. When fire crews arrived, they discovered heavy fire at the rear of the structure that was rapidly spreading toward the front. Due to the amount of destruction caused by the fire investigators were not able to determine the cause. The home was a complete loss and damages to the property and contents are estimated over $100,000. The property was not covered by insurance.  

Working smoke alarms saved people and cats – Following a Jan. 24 single family home fire on St. Armand Road in Highgate, state fire investigators say the accidental fire originating in the area around a woodstove in the attached garage. The family had working photoelectric smoke alarms that awakened them to the fire. After hearing the alarms sounding, all the occupants were able to safely evacuate the building. The Highgate Fire Department was called immediately and was able to extinguish the fire, keeping it contained mostly to the attached garage area. There were no injuries reported. Three cats were evacuated safely with assistance from the fire department. The Vermont Department of Public Safety would like to remind everyone that working smoke and CO alarms save lives.

Blue Beemer burgled – A blue 1998 BMW 528 was reported stolen from a residence on VT Route 14 in Albany Friday, Feb. 2. 

The vehicle, belonging to 40-year-old Alan Dion, was taken from a locked detached garage at his property. The BMW is identifiable by its Vermont registration KBS286. – State police via Newport Dispatch.

State Police are actively investigating the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Vermont State Police Derby at 802-334-8881.

Theft from cars in Highgate – State Police are investigating a series of thefts from vehicles in Highgate the evening of Feb. 3 and the early morning of Feb. 4. The incidents occurred along Monument Road and Tanglewood Drive, where unidentified individuals reportedly stole items from several cars.

Police have not released specific details about what was taken or the number of vehicles involved. Tips can be directed to the St. Albans Field Station by calling 802-524-5993. – State police via Newport Dispatch.

Arrested on warrant at border – The night of Sunday, February 4, state troopers were notified by United States Customs and Border Protection of Damian Francisco, 26, of Methuen MA being held on an extraditable warrant from New Hampshire at the Highgate Port of Entry. He was processed, lodged and is scheduled to appear at 1 pm February 5 in Franklin County Superior Court.

Busted for drunk behavior at schools, driving drunk with child in car – 10 AM on Saturday February 3, State Police received a report of a possibly intoxicated male driving away from the Berkshire Elementary School with a child in the vehicle. They located suspect Nathan Gaudette of St. Albans at the Sheldon Elementary School. Gaudette acted in a tumultuous and profane manner at the school. He also displayed indicators of impairment. Troopers confirmed that Gaudette had driven with a child in the vehicle. Gaudette was arrested and transported to the State Police barracks in St. Albans and processed and cited for the charges of DUI Drug, Disorderly Conduct, and Cruelty to a Child. He was later released to a sober adult.

Man found dead at Vermont Veterans Cemetery – Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 31, State Police found a 39-year-old man dead at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph. He was pronounced dead on scene by a paramedic with White River Valley Ambulance. The body was transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for an autopsy. The Vermont State Police investigation is continuing, but this incident is not considered suspicious or criminal in nature.