This commentary is by Thomas Slatin of Middletown Springs. She is a former career firefighter and paramedic.The tragic reality of fire-related fatalities in Vermont, such as the New Year’s Day incident in Sandgate highlights an unavoidable and urgent truth: it is time for our state to institute full-paid or part-paid fire departments.Despite being one of the smallest states in the nation, Vermont suffers from a disproportionately high per-capita fire fatality rate. On average, we lose eight Vermonters to fires annually, with spikes in recent years, such as the 15 fire deaths reported in 2022. These numbers represent not only statistical trends but also devastating losses of life that could be mitigated with better-resourced fire services.Our predominantly volunteer-based fire departments, though admirable and deeply rooted in community spirit, are stretched thin. Volunteers face increasing demands, aging equipment and limited resources — all while responding to fires in a housing stock where nearly half of the homes were built before 1950. These older structures are more prone to fire hazards, especially in Vermont’s rural areas and cold climate, where heating-related fires are prevalent. Adding to this challenge is the fact that fire prevention and response in our state lag behind what modern safety standards demand.READ MORE Full-paid or part-paid fire departments are not a luxury — they are a necessity. Professional fire services would provide Vermont with faster response times, improved training, lower property insurance rates and consistent availability of personnel. Paid firefighters would not only bolster our ability to respond to emergencies but also strengthen fire prevention programs, public education initiatives and inspection protocols — all proven methods to reduce fire fatalities. Moreover, investing in such a system would alleviate the burden placed on volunteers, many of whom struggle to balance their critical roles with other personal and professional responsibilities.We must not wait for more lives to be lost to recognize the obvious: as a former career firefighter and paramedic, Vermont’s current model is inadequate for the challenges we face. Neighboring states with paid or hybrid fire departments have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing fire-related deaths and injuries. Vermont’s commitment to public safety should be no different.It is time for our state legislators, local officials and residents to acknowledge this issue and act decisively. Fire safety cannot remain a patchwork effort reliant on the goodwill of volunteers alone. The lives of Vermonters depend on professional, well-funded fire services that meet the demands of modern communities.Read the story on VTDigger here: Thomas Slatin: Vermont needs full-paid or part-paid fire departments statewide.