Structure Fire – 23 Jackson Street

At 2:55 p.m., the Essex Junction Fire Department, along with automatic mutual aid from Essex Fire and Essex Rescue, was dispatched to 23 Jackson Street for a reported fire involving a bathroom ventilation fan.

Working smoke alarms alerted the residents, who safely evacuated the residence before firefighters arrived.

Chief Gaboriault arrived on scene with Car 9 and reported a two-story, wood-frame residence with nothing showing from the exterior. The residents confirmed a fire involving the bathroom ventilation fan.

Ladder 3 arrived on scene and was assigned to fire attack. Firefighters advanced a 1¾-inch hoseline into the residence and knocked down the main body of fire. During suppression operations, crews confirmed that the fire had extended from the bathroom ventilation fan into the attic space above.

To access the concealed fire and determine the extent of involvement, interior crews opened the ceiling and removed insulation from around the ventilation fan. Firefighters also cut an opening in the roof to gain access to the attic space.

After the initial knockdown, crews remained on scene for about another hour to conduct overhaul. Firefighters removed insulation, checked concealed spaces for additional fire extension, and cooled exposed and charred structural members to ensure the fire was completely extinguished.

The cause of the fire was determined to be the bathroom ventilation fan.

No civilians or firefighters were injured during the incident. After fire suppression and overhaul operations were complete, the residence was turned back over to the homeowner.

Essex Junction Fire responded with Car 9 and Ladder 3, with eight EJFD personnel on scene. As a paid-call fire department, Essex Junction firefighters respond from their homes, workplaces, and daily activities when called.

This incident comes during a period of elevated structure fire activity in Essex Junction. The department has responded to several structure fires in recent weeks, including incidents involving both residential and large multi-family properties. Each fire involved different circumstances and causes, and none are related.

The increased fire activity has also highlighted the importance of Essex Junction's regional mutual-aid system. While Essex Junction Fire maintains a paid-call response model, larger or more complex incidents can quickly require personnel and apparatus from multiple communities. The department appreciates the continued support of our mutual-aid partners who respond alongside EJFD when additional resources are needed.

Today's incident also reminds us of the value of working smoke alarms. Although the fire originated in a bathroom ventilation fan and was not visible from the exterior when firefighters arrived, it had already extended into the concealed attic space. The home's working smoke alarms provided early warning, allowing residents to recognize the danger and evacuate safely before the department arrived.

Essex Junction Fire Department reminds residents to keep working smoke alarms throughout their homes, test them regularly, and evacuate and call 911 immediately if an alarm activates or a fire is suspected.