NEWS RELEASE // FIRE INVESTIGASTION // BERLIN BARRACKS
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 22A3004272
TROOPER: Det. Sgt. Matthew Hill
STATION: Berlin Barracks – Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit
CONTACT#: (802)229-9191
DATE/TIME: July 28, 2022 – Time of Call: 1:27 AM
LOCATION: 2972 North Fayston Road, Fayston, VT
INCIDENT: Non-Criminal Fire Investigation
VICTIM: Gregory Viens
Age: 71
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Fayston, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On July 28, 2022, at approximately 7:22 AM the Waitsfield/Fayston Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at a single-family residence on North Fayston Road. When fire crews arrived, they discovered heavy fire coming from the southwest corner of the house and smoke coming out of both gables ends. Fire crews from several area departments worked to extinguish the fire but were hampered by the heavy fuel load within the residence that also barred their ability to make entry into the house.
As part of Fire Chief Tripp Johnson’s assessment of the scene he contacted Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit and requested assistance in determining the origin and cause of the fire event.
Members of the Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit responded to the fire scene and conducted a scene examination. The examination revealed that the homeowner, Gregory Viens, had started a fire in the woodstove earlier in the morning. A short time later he noticed smoke in the living room and went to check on the woodstove. He saw the items around the woodstove were on fire. Mr. Viens was able to exit the residence safely. The area of origin was determined to be in the southwest corner of the first floor of the house where a woodstove was located. The cause of the fire was due to household combustibles being placed too close to the woodstove while there was an active fire inside.
Matthew Hill
Detective Sergeant, VT State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigations
Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit
2777 St George Road
Williston, VT 05495
Office - (802)878-7111 ext 4057
IAAI - FIT
To request a copy of a report follow this link:
https://vsp.vermont.gov/public/recordrequests
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