This website is the official site for the Cotuit Fire District, in the village of Cotuit which is a part of the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts. This site’s purpose is to provide information on the three elected Boards of the District: the Prudential Committee overseeing and the financial and general governance of the village, the Board of Fire Commissioners, and the Board of Water Commissioners.
Each Board has its own area of this site that presents its own archive of past meeting agendas and minutes, as well as personnel, contact information, and news and developments such as information about the Cotuit Elementary School Project leading to the School Feasibility Study Report.
Cotuit School Demolition and Site Remediation Update
At the Cotuit Fire District Annual Meeting in May, the village voted to demolish the Cotuit School building and return the site to nature. The Prudential Committee is working to complete this project by spring 2026. We hope this ambitious timeline will allow planting during the cool spring months, maximizing opportunities for successful growth.
Massachusetts law requires the hiring of an Owner’s Project Manager (“OPM”) for a project of this size. The OPM serves as an advisor and oversees the project throughout its duration. The Prudential Committee conducted a bidding process to select an OPM and received five proposals. After interviewing the top three candidates, we selected LeftField LLC to serve in this role.
The Committee has also retained ICON Architecture—the same firm that conducted the 2024 Feasibility Study of the property—to prepare detailed technical specifications for the demolition. In addition, a landscape architecture subcontractor is currently developing site drawings and planting plans for the remediation phase of the project. Once a landscaping plan is drafted, the Prudential Committee will schedule a public meeting to allow input from interested community members consistent with the voters’ directive to “return the site to nature.”
Following completion of these plans, the project will be put out to public bid. State law requires that the contract be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder.
As you can see, much remains to be accomplished over the next five to six months. We will continue to keep you informed as the project progresses.
COTUIT FIRE DISTRICT 2025 ELECTIONS
For the Elections on May 27, 2025, four positions are up for election, each for a three (3) year term: one member of the Prudential Committee, one member of the Board of Fire Commissions, one member of the Board of Water Commissioners, and a Moderator. Candidates may pick up Nomination Papers at the Cotuit Water Department office (4300 Falmouth Road, Cotuit) during office hours (9:00am – 4:00pm) starting on Friday, February 21, 2025. Absentee Ballots are available. Further information is available on the 2025 Election Calendar.
OPEN BURNING FOR THE COTUIT FIRE DISTRICT
State fire wardens determine each day whether conditions are safe for open burning. Weather and air quality can change rapidly, especially in the spring, and fire departments can rescind permits when that happens. When conditions are favorable, open burning may be done between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from January 15 to May 1.
Hoping to burn today? Please call the fire station after 9:30 a.m. at 508-428-2210, press 2 for daily information and open burning conditions.
For more information on open burning regulations and safety tips please click the links below:
Open Burning Safety Tips