Oxford Fire Department Handles Record Number Of Calls

OXFORD, CT — The Oxford Fire Department handled a record 82 calls in July, continuing a recent increase in emergency responses.

Chief Pelletier told the Board of Fire Chiefs that the department was unusually busy despite there being no major storm during the month, according to meeting minutes.

The department previously averaged between 30 and 50 calls per month, but officials said that number has been climbing. Firefighters had answered 327 calls through the end of July.

The board is scheduled to meet again at 7 p.m. Wednesday at S.B. Church Memorial Town Hall, 486 Oxford Road. The agenda includes reports on calls, equipment, training, stations and the department’s budget.

The department’s latest financial report listed $606,293.55 in spending for the 2025-26 fiscal year against an approved budget of $558,778. That left a negative balance of $47,515.55. The minutes do not explain whether transfers, reimbursements or other adjustments were expected to cover the difference.

Oxford increased the department’s budget to $590,223 for the current fiscal year.

Fire officials also reported that a second rescue boat had returned to service following an incident at Jackson Cove. A water-line leak at the Center station allowed water into the ambulance bay and damaged the training room, according to the minutes.

A committee reviewing the planned replacement of Rescue 54 is scheduled to hold its first meeting Sept. 15. The town’s grant writer is also looking for funding that could be used to install security cameras at Oxford’s fire stations.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.