The Woodbury Fire Department protects a suburban and rural area, covering 36 square miles in scenic Litchfield County. Operating from two stations staffed entirely by volunteers, the department provides firefighting and rescue services to the 8,700 residents of Woodbury. 

Emergency Medical Services are provided by the Woodbury Ambulance Association, an organization also staffed by volunteers. Paramedic intercept is provided by a commercial service when Advanced Life Support is required. The fire department responds with EMS to all motor vehicle accidents and medical calls within Orenaug Park.

Rope Rescue

Attracting rock climbers and rappelling enthusiasts from throughout the area is Orenaug Park, a Town facility featuring hiking trails and sheer cliffs ideal for climbing. Due to the popularity of the park, the Woodbury Fire Department developed a rope rescue team that responds to climbing accidents, using high angle rescue techniques to gain access to victims. Removing injured hikers often requires the use of high lines to cover up to a mile of rugged terrain.

Vehicle Rescue

Victims of motor vehicle accidents can be extricated using the "Jaws of Life" and other hydraulic tools, such as cutters and rams. Pneumatic tools are also used, in the form of high pressure air bags, wrenches and chisels. Cordless saws, hand tools and vehicle stabilization equipment play an important role in successful rescues.

Confined Space Entry

Working in confined areas such as tanks, manholes, underground vaults and tunnels is hazardous and requires special training. Performing the rescue of an injured or trapped worker under these conditions requires extraordinary skills. Firefighters are trained to enter confined areas wearing protective equipment, including Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, to detect any hazards, locate victims and effect a rescue.

Cold Water Rescue

Cold water rescue is another specialized service provided by the department. When the cold New England weather causes ponds and rivers to freeze, there is always the danger of falling through the ice while skating or ice fishing. Fire personnel have the proper training and equipment to safely rescue such persons, without placing themselves in the position of becoming victim to extremely cold temperatures.

Water Supply

Due to the limited availability of hydrants, the department has developed an extensive network of fire ponds and in-ground storage tanks for firefighting. Using large diameter hose and tankers to deliver water, fire protection is provided despite the lack of traditional water supplies. Each pumper is equipped with 5-inch hose to lay into a fire, and the hose reel truck carries additional hose to complete the hose lay to a water supply. A total of 8,000 feet of large diameter hose and 7,500 gallons of water is available on the apparatus. Town ordinance now requires the installation of water storage tanks on new housing developments, where hydrants are not available.

Safety

The Woodbury Fire Department is aggressive in the implementation of safety programs to protect firefighters and civilians. Through the use of the Incident Command System and a comprehensive Personnel Accountability System, fireground commanders can monitor the progress of an incident. Firefighters are specially trained in Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) tactics, to locate and rescue trapped or injured personnel.

Utilizing technology such as Thermal Imaging Cameras, multi-gas and gas-specific meters, detectors to locate energized electrical lines and digital photography, firefighters have the ability to identify hazards and document incidents for investigative or training purposes.