STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 24A2002033
TROOPER: Det. Sgt. David Hurwitch
STATION: Williston Barracks – Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit
CONTACT#: 802-878-7111
DATE/TIME: October 27, 2024, at 0600 hours
LOCATION: Morgan Hill Rd., Barnard, VT
INCIDENT: Fire investigation
VICTIM: Richard Keating
AGE: 66
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Barnard, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On Sunday, Oct. 27, the Barnard Fire Department was dispatched to a reported forest fire on Morgan Hill Road in Barnard. When fire crews arrived, they discovered a large forest fire, along with two camps that had been destroyed by the fire. Mutual aid was requested from the surrounding communities.
As part of the Barnard Fire Chief's assessment of the scene he contacted the 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 and spoke with witnesses. The origin of the fire was determined to be on the exterior of the building. The cause is believed to be related to the improper disposal of ashes from a wood stove. The fire spread to the surrounding woods and is currently being fought by the Barnard Fire Department along with mutual aid from the surrounding communities.
Richard Keating, the camp owner, suffered non-life-threatening injuries associated with this fire. The camp and its contents were destroyed. One other camp also was destroyed by the fire.
The public should be aware that fire suppression efforts will be ongoing, and smoke may be visible for several days. Dry and windy conditions have added to the difficulty in fire suppression efforts.
Anyone with information about this fire or who may have been in the area of the fire during the early morning hours of October 27, 2024, is asked to contact the State Police at 802-878-7111.
People with information may also contact the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program at 800-32-ARSON. The Arson Tip Award Program is a separate entity from the Department of Public Safety, and through funding from insurance companies offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this case.
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