Fire Communications:

In 2007, the Shelburne Communications Center dispatched 1,044 calls requiring a Fire Department or Rescue response.  These calls ranged from Alarms (Smoke, Fire and Carbon Monoxide), Fires (Brush/Grass, Chimney, Electrical and Structures), Rescues (Ice, Water and Vehicle Extrication).

The SCC offers other services to Fire Departments, including the issuing of Burn Permits for open burning.  These permits are only issued after permission has been received from the appropriate Fire Warden.  In 2007, the SCC issued 1,375 burn permits.

The ECT (Call-taker/Dispatcher) is often the first link to a caller reporting a Fire or Rescue Emergency, whether they call via 9-1-1, or through a business line.  For all calls requiring Fire or Rescue assistance, the ECT collects all pertinent information about the emergency, dispatches the appropriate resources, and then offers incident specific Pre-Arrival Instructions. 

All ECT's are trained in Fire Communications, Operations and Hazardous Materials, both locally and by Vermont Enhanced 9-1-1 Board.  This training provides the ECT with the knowledge required to properly process fire or rescue related calls utilizing the Board's Fire Manual.  The Fire Manual is divided into common fire or rescue call types.  Once the ECT has identified the call type, specific Key Questions will be asked and appropriate Pre-Arrival Instruction will be offered to the caller.  All information obtained from the caller will be relayed to the Fire or Rescue Crews.

As needed, the ECT will offer directions to the Fire or Rescue Crews, utilizing the Enhanced 9-1-1 computerized mapping system.  The ECT is also authorized to dispatch Mutual Aid Agencies based on the call type or incident location using the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.  The utilization of these systems and the Fire Manual are designed to help reduce response times and allow for better coordination of the responding units.

Agencies Served:

Updated:  04/30/2008