According to police reports, a fire in a camper trailer at 4573 Vermont Route 14 in Sharon resulted in the death of a 58-year-old man, identified as Brett Novak. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene around 10:10 a.m. on January 25, 2026, after multiple 911 calls reported black smoke emanating from the trailer.
Upon arrival, the Sharon Fire Department extinguished the blaze and discovered Novak deceased inside. The fire’s origin and cause are under investigation by the Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, in collaboration with the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations. Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been accidental, related to smoking materials, and is not viewed as suspicious, according to police.
Following the incident, Novak’s body was transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for an autopsy to confirm his identity and determine the cause and manner of death. Officials have withheld further details pending notification of next of kin.
As investigations continue, police encourage anyone with information regarding the fire to reach out to Detective Trooper Eric Acevedo or Detective Sgt. Christopher Blais at their respective barracks.
Source: Vermont State Police press release, view original report. This Vermont fatal camper story highlights important developments.
Legal Disclaimer: All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Court dates and charges are subject to change. This report is based on information provided by law enforcement and may be updated as more details become available. The Vermont fatal camper situation continues to develop. The Vermont fatal camper situation continues to develop.
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Source: Vermont State Police
accidental fire fire investigation local news Sharon VT Vermont State Police
Last modified: January 28, 2026
