Effective 07/01/26, there had been several changes to Vermont's forest fire laws resulting from the enactment of Act 162 of 2026. These changes affect the designation of town forest fire wardens, deputy town forest fire wardens, municipal wildfire response coordination, and record-keeping requirements.

“Act 162 changes the method by which town forest fire wardens are designated. Under the new law, the chief of the fire department, fire district, or private fire department with primary responsibility for fire response within the municipality will automatically serve as the town forest fire warden. Previously, town forest fire wardens were appointed by the Commissioner of The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) with the approval of the selectboard.”

With these changes, Vernon Fire Chief Alex Dunklee has automatically been appointed Fire Warden. However, he has appointed John “JJ” Wheelden Jr. and Jesse Jobin to both maintain their positions as Deputy Wardens. Both John and Jesse have held their positions in the Town of Vernon for many years and hold the necessary knowledge, experience and understanding of what is required to hold the position of Fire Warden.

Over time, we may introduce new ways to request Burn Permits or how to contact these individuals but for now, they can be reached with the information provided here.