DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 25A2003668
TROOPER: Det. Sgt. Clark Lombardi
STATION: Derby Barracks – Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit
CONTACT#: (802) 334-8881
DATE/TIME: May 28, 2025
LOCATION: 65 Sunset View in South Hero, VT
INCIDENT: Fire Investigation
VICTIM: James Sweeney
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: South Hero, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On May 28, 2025, at approximately 8:05 PM the South Hero Fire Department received a report of a fire located at 65 Sunset View in South Hero, VT. The South Hero Fire Department responded to the location and observed heavy fire coming from the detached garage that had spread to the single-family dwelling. Fire suppression efforts were conducted, and the fire was extinguished. There were no reported injuries.
As part of South Hero Fire Chief Patrick Robinson’s assessment of the fire, he contacted the Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit (FEIU) for assistance in determining the origin and cause of the fire.
Members of the Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit responded to the fire scene and conducted a scene examination. The garage was consumed by fire and the single-family dwelling sustained extensive damage from fire, heat and smoke. An accurate damage estimate is not available. The cause of fire does not appear to be the result of a criminal act.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Clark Lombardi at the Derby Barracks at (802) 334-8881.
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 state police, and through funding from insurance companies offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this case.
Detective Sergeant Clark Lombardi
Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Vermont State Police
Fire and Explosion Unit
BCI Troop A – East
Derby Barracks
