Vermont Fires

## Daily Wildfire Report for Vermont - July 28, 2025

### Overview
Vermont is currently experiencing a moderate fire risk. While there are no significant active wildfires reported within the state, the primary concern over the last 72 hours has been the impact of wildfire smoke from Canada and the U.S. Midwest, leading to air quality alerts across the state.

### Current Situation
**Fire Activity:** As of the last 72 hours, Vermont has not reported any major active wildfires. The state's fire risk is being monitored closely due to regional fire weather conditions. A 10-acre forest fire in Fair Haven, which began on Sunday, July 20, 2025, was being worked on by local, federal, and state agencies. The cause of this fire remains unclear, but concerns about its spread were heightened due to hot, dry, and windy conditions in that part of the state.

**Air Quality:** Over the past 72 hours, Vermont has been significantly affected by smoke from extensive wildfires burning in central Canada and the upper Midwest. This has resulted in widespread air quality alerts, with fine particle pollution reaching unhealthy levels in many areas. On Saturday, July 26, 2025, air quality alerts were in effect for most of the state, with some counties experiencing levels considered "unhealthy" for all individuals, and others "unhealthy for sensitive groups." Residents were advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, take more breaks, and engage in less intense activities. While some improvement was noted by Sunday, there is a possibility of smoke returning early next week.

### Key Fires
* **Fair Haven Forest Fire:** Located in Fair Haven, this fire was approximately 10 acres and had been burning for five days as of July 24, 2025. It is located on private property and has prompted a response from the U.S. Forest Service, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, and several local fire departments. The cause is unclear, and concerns about spread were noted due to local weather conditions.

### Prescribed Burns and Land Management
There are no current reports of prescribed burns or statewide burn bans in Vermont as of the last 72 hours. However, the Town of Brattleboro issued a burn ban effective July 25, 2025, due to current weather conditions and an increased risk of wildfires. This ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including brush piles and campfires. The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation reminds residents that permits are required for burning legal materials such as tree limbs and branches, and that alternatives to open burning like chipping or composting should be considered.

### Weather and Wind Warnings
**Current Weather:** The weather across Vermont over the past 72 hours has been varied, with some areas experiencing showers and thunderstorms, while others have seen warm and dry conditions. On Saturday, July 26, 2025, northerly winds combined with high pressure contributed to trapping wildfire smoke near the surface, exacerbating air quality issues.

**Forecasted Weather:** Looking ahead, Vermont is expected to experience a mix of conditions. Monday, July 28, 2025, is forecast to be partly cloudy with temperatures in the high 80s. There is a chance of showers and downpours, particularly for central and southern areas, on Sunday night into Monday morning. The forecast indicates a drying trend for the latter half of the week, with sunshine and temperatures in the 70s expected by Thursday and Friday. While no specific fire weather warnings or Red Flag Warnings have been issued for Vermont in the last 72 hours, the presence of dry fuels and the potential for returning smoke warrants continued monitoring.

### Recommendations
Residents are advised to stay informed about air quality conditions and to take necessary precautions to protect their health, especially sensitive groups. It is crucial to follow all local burn bans and regulations. For those planning outdoor activities, it is recommended to check the latest air quality reports and weather forecasts.

### Resources
For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
* **Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (VANR) Air Quality:** [dec.vermont.gov/air-quality/local-air-quality-forecasts](https://dec.vermont.gov/air-quality/local-air-quality-forecasts)
* **Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation:** [fpr.vermont.gov](https://fpr.vermont.gov/)
* **National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC):** [www.nifc.gov](https://www.nifc.gov/)

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.

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