ABOUT THE TOWN OF HARTLAND FIRE SERVICES
General - The Town of Hartland is bisected by the Barkhamsted Reservoir into the communities of East and West Hartland. Each has its own volunteer fire department which provides emergency services to the respective communities and to neighboring areas through mutual aid agreements. Both departments eagerly welcome prospective members interested in emergency service activities, and each holds its monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of the month, West Hartland at 7:00 p.m. and East Hartland at 8:00 p.m.
Objective - The objective of each of the Town's two fire departments is to provide fire fighting, rescue, limited medical services, and related activities to Town residents to the extent of their capabilities and to coordinate delivery of additional resources when necessary through mutual aid agreements.
Organization - Each department is a private corporation managed by elected administrative officers. Firefighting and rescue functions are managed by a Chief, Assistant Chief, and two/three additional line officers. Each department is equipped with two pumpers, and a tanker for water supply (as there are no hydrants in town). In addition, West Hartland VFD operates a brush truck and a rescue truck, while East Hartland VFD operates a rescue truck. The rescue trucks are for EMS calls, vehicle extrication, and light rescue.
Operation - Many different emergency situations may occur in Hartland that require the services of a fire department. In these situations, each of the town's two fire departments provides services to maximize the survival of people and the protection of property.
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Press Release
For Immediate Release
West Hartland Volunteer Fire Department Receives Funding from NCCF for New UTV to Enhance Firefighting and Rescue Capabilities
West Hartland, CT – 08/5/2025 – The West Hartland Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce the addition of a new Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) to its fleet, made possible through the generous support of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation (NCCF) Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund.
The new UTV will play a critical role in protecting the forests and residents of Hartland and surrounding communities. Outfitted with specialized equipment including a water tank, pump, and rescue basket, the vehicle is designed to fight brush and wildland fires deep within wooded areas, while also enabling firefighters and EMTs to quickly reach and transport injured patients from rugged terrain.
“This UTV gives us the ability to respond faster and more effectively to emergencies in areas that are difficult to access with larger fire apparatus,” said Matthew Wilson, Fire Chief of the West Hartland Volunteer Fire Department. “Thanks to a grant from the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund, we’ll be better equipped to protect both our community and the natural environment that surrounds it.”
The UTV will be fitted with a skid unit, which integrates both firefighting and rescue capabilities into one compact system. The addition of this equipment ensures that responders have the tools they need to suppress fast-moving brush fires and provide rapid emergency medical care in remote locations.
The West Hartland Volunteer Fire Department, staffed entirely by volunteers, provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, and rescue operations to the residents of West Hartland and surrounding communities. This latest addition underscores the department’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and emergency response readiness.
The department extends its deepest gratitude to the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation for making this purchase possible.
Contact:
West Hartland Volunteer Fire Department
Matthew Wilson – Fire Chief
860-379-5536
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WEST HARTLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
152 Center Street
West Hartland, CT 06091
Medical-Fire Emergency - DIAL 911
Dispatch Center Routine Calls
(866) 567-3877
West Hartland Fire House
(860) 379-5536
If no answer, call Selectman’s Office
(860) 653-6800
Fax Number
(860) 738-8273
Dispatch Services provided by Litchfield County Dispatch
WEST HARTLAND FIRE APPARATUS
Engine 1
2006 HME --- GPM pumper 1200 gallon tank
Engine 2
1987 Pierce 1000 GPM pumper 750 gallon tank
Tanker 33
2009 USTanker 500 GPM pump 3000 gallon tank
Rescue 3
Line Officers
Chief: Matthew Wilson
Asst Chief: Matt Gower
Captain: Allen Button Jr
Lieutenant: Tim LaPane
Administrative Officers
President: Allen Button SR
Secretary: Bethany Riley
Treasurer: Hilary Wilson
Trustees
Hilary Wilson
Mark Gower
David Baldwin
Emergency Medical Services
Medical Services are provided by the department first responders. Advanced Medical Services and transport are provided by the Winsted and New Hartford Ambulance Services. The primary service for New Hartford Ambulance is Center Hill Road. Winsted Ambulance covers all other areas.
Fund Raising
The West Hartland Volunteer Fire Department holds fund raising events each year:
Roast Beef Dinner - March/April
Pig Roast - June
Clam Bake - September
Mailbox Markers - Please call the fire department to order anytime
