Hartford (CT) Engine 8 struck a second alarm on arrival at a Ward Street address on January 16, 2025.
See story on page 6
Tewksbury 3-Alarm Fire on Woburn Street
Firefighters operated at a three-alarm fire on Woburn Street in Tewksbury (MA).
See story on page 9
Franklin Barn Fire
First-due Franklin (NH) crews arrived to South Main Street to find a fully involved barn threatening the main farm house.
See story on page 10
Ansonia 2-Alarmer
The Ansonia (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to North Cliff Street for a house fire.
See story on page 13
Lithium-Ion Batteries Start
4-Alarmer in Onset
On January 5, 2025, Onset (MA) Fire responded to a commercial building on Cranberry Highway for a structure fire.
See story on page 23
Remembering the Worcester 6
The 25th Anniversary of the Worcester Cold Storage Fire was held on December 2, 2024.
See stories on pages 33 & 37
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Hartford Fire Extends Hartford Fire Extends
Fall RiverStill Alarm
Five people were left homeless aftera three-alarm fire ripped through theirhome around 2300 on December16, 2024. Fall River (MA) firefighters responded to Montaup Street fora still alarm. Companies arrived to heavy fire venting from the six windows and front doorof the home. All occupants were reported out of the house from both the first- and second-floorapartments. Firefighters knocked down the heavy fire with a a 2-1/2 inch attack line before chasing the fire into the house. Crews opened up walls and ceilings on both floors but could not expose all the fire and command ordered an evacuation when the roof began to collapse. Crews then went defensive with heavy stream appliances and a ladderpipe. Firefighters remained on scene until 0730 the next morning. - Fire News photo by Ken Legers
Hartford (CT) Engine 8 struck a second alarm on arrival at a Ward Street address on January 16, 2025 at 2350. The original fire build-
ing was fully involved with fire extending to the B side exposure which was occupied. - Fire News photos by Patrick Dooley
Kingston
2-
Alarmer
Cold, Location, Frozen Hydrants Hamper Fire Fight
On a bittercold night in January 2025, ManchesterBy-the-Sea (MA) Fire responded to a building fire on SummerStreet. First-due companies arrived to heavy fire showing on arrival from an occupied T-frame, 30- x 60-foot detached garage. MFD went into defensive ops almost immediately and faced several challenges including frozen hydrants, and access issues, as the building was atop a steep hill with a 1/3-milelong icy driveway. MFD was assisted on scene by Beverly, Hamilton and Essex fire departments. - Fire News photo by Glenn S. Preston
On January 10, 2025, Kingston (MA) firefighters responded to Woodland Avenue fora structure fire. First arriving crews found heavy fire in the rearof the building. and a second alarm was struck. Multiple handlines and a ladderpipe were used to bring the fire undercontrol. - Fire News photo by John Sjostedt
Tewksbury 3-Alarm Fire on Woburn Street
Firefighters operated at a three-alarm fire on Woburn Street in Tewksbury (MA) recently.
- Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings
Farmhouse Fire in Dunstable
Dunstable (MA) firefighters fought a four-alarm fire on the morning of December16, 2024. Citizens banging on the doorto the fire station notified the on-duty crew of the fire directly across the street from the station. The crew arrived to find heavy fire showing from a large barn attached to a farmhouse. Command quickly struck a second alarm bringing in mutual aid to the scene; third and fourth alarms were struck formanpowerand watersupply. Multiple handlines and a ladderpipe were used to knock down the heavy volume of fire. Companies entered the farmhouse and made an aggressive interiorattack to keep the fire from extending furtherinto the home. Companies remained on scene forseveral hours overhauling and checking forhot spots. No injuries were reported and the fire was underinvestigation by the Massachusetts Fire Marshal’s Office. - Fire News photo by Patrick Kerrigan
Franklin Barn Fire
First due Franklin (NH) crews arrived to South Main Street to find a fully involved barn threatening the main farm house. Crews stretched a line into the house and were able to keep the fire from spreading. The fire went to a second alarm
- Fire News photo by Jay Heath
Bolton
3-Alarmer
Bolton (CT) firefighters responded to a three alarm fire on West Street on January 24, 2025. At least 14 departments responded as mutual aid orcover. The fire was in a cabinet shop.
- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
West Haven
3-Alarmer
Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from the second floor of an apartment complex on December7, 2024, on Coleman Street in West Haven (CT). Two lines were quickly stretched to control the fire within 20 minutes. The additional alarms were formanpowerto assist with searches and evacuations. The cause of the fire was a careless cook. One cat was rescued and had to be given oxygen. Multiple occupants were made homeless.
- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda, allhandsworking
Dracut 2-Alarm House Fire
Dracut (MA) firefighters were dispatched to Nashua Road fora house fire on the morning of January 23, 2025. Companies arrived to smoke and fire showing from the roof of a single-family home. Command struck a second alarm bringing mutual aid to the scene and to cover. Companies stretched three handlines and the Dracut laddercompany opened the roof. The fire was knocked down in a short amount of time.
- Fire News photo by Patrick Kerrigan
Quick Work of Cortina Road Fire
Just before 1430 on December21, 2024, East Haven (CT) firefighters responded to Cortina Road fora reported house fire. While en route, companies had a visible headerand arrived to find heavy fire in the rearof a raised ranch. The fire had also extended from the home to an RVin the yard. Companies made quick work of the fire in the rearbefore checking inside forany extension. Firefighters were on scene forabout 30 minutes before the blaze was brought undercontrol.
- Fire News photo by Jack McCarthy (Fill The Box Fire Photography)
Hmmm, This Looks Familiar
At approximately 2300 on December6, 2024, the Shelton (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to Village Drive at Dodge Drive fora reported house fire. The department fought a fire in this home a day earlier. This night, first companies found heavy fire on the second floorof the two-story raised ranch and heavy fire already showing through the roof.
- Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
Wildland Fire on the AT
Sheffield (MA) Hose Company members worked a two-acre wildland fire in a remote part of town along the Appalachian Trail on October24, 2024.
- Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
Fatal Fire in Acushnet
Millville CarFire
Crews battled a carfire in Millville (MA) on January 22, 2025. The call came in shortly before 1000 fora caron fire in the Marty’s LiquorStore parking lot on Buxton Street. The vehicle was fully involved upon arrival.
- Fire News photo by Matt Gregoire
Afire in a multi-family home claimed the lives of two olderadults early Christmas morning, injuring one adult and displacing all otherresidents, said Acushnet (MA) Fire Chief Thomas Farland. The Acushnet Fire Department and Acushnet Police responded to Garfield Street following multiple 911 calls at about 0150. On arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke and flames and learned that three people were unaccounted for. One resident escaped safely aftera neighbor, who saw the fire, pounded on his door. Anotherresident was laterdetermined to be out of the country. Firefighters immediately began attacking the fire, which had caused a partial collapse of the roof and majorstructural damage to the 2-1/2 story home. They made entry and located two residents deceased. Firefighters battled the flames forabout an hourbefore bringing it undercontrol. The victims were preliminarily believed to be a man and woman, both in their80s. The Fairhaven (MA) Fire Department provided mutual aid along with Mattapoisett EMS, and Providence (RI) Canteen supported personnel at the scene. - Submitted by Jake Wark
3-Alarmer
Destroys
WestminsterHome
Athird-alarm fire destroyed a 2-1/2 story home on South Ashburnham Road in Westminster(MA) on the morning of December12, 2024. Temperatures were in the single digits in the outside-the-hydrant district, which hampered efforts. Atanker task force was activated.
- Fire News photo by Bryan Favreau, Onscene Images
Ansonia 2-Alarmer
At approximately 2130 on December20, 2024, the Ansonia (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to North Cliff Street fora house fire. First companies in, found a very large 2-1/2 story wood frame with heavy fire showing from the top-floorrear. The fire quickly escalated to a second alarm. Members fought a very aggressive interiorattack on the third floorbefore having to be pulled out fora defensive attack. The fire required mutual aid from Derby, Seymour, Shelton and Orange. Twelve occupants safely evacuated. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
Quick Stop at Waterbury Fire
On February 4, 2025, Waterbury (CT) firefighters responded to Hawthorne Avenue fora fire on the second floorof a three-story dwelling. The fire was knocked down in 10 minutes and one person was displaced. - Fire News photo by Rick Kulmann
Arson at 9-Alarm Chelsea Fire?
Local and state fire investigators believe the fire that consumed a vacant warehouse this month started with some form of human activity, and officials are asking for the public’s help identifying the person or persons involved, said Chelsea (MA) Fire Chief John Quatieri and State Fire Marshal Jon Davine.
The November 18, 2024, fire at 1 Forbes Street in Chelsea went to nine alarms and drew firefighters from about two dozen departments across the region. The structure was known as a location where juveniles, homeless, and others would sometimes congregate.
Mutual aid came from Revere, Everett, Boston, Medford, Somerville, Winthrop, Lynn, Malden, Saugus, Melrose, Cambridge, Wakefield, Brookline, Belmont, Stoneham, Waltham, Woburn, Newton, Reading, Arlington, Lexington, Massport, Watertown, and Quincy.
- Submitted by Jake Wark
Brockton House Fire Stopped
Around 0820 on December15, 2024, the Brockton (MA) Fire Department responded fora house fire on Thompson Avenue. Responding companies could see a column of smoke in the distance. Upon company’s arrival, a heavy fire was found in the rear of a two-story wood framed dwelling. Companies were able to quickly knock down the fire with multiple handlines.
- Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Quick Stop in Jewett City
Jewett City (CT) Fire was dispatched to GeerRoad fora reported dwelling fire. Crews arrived to a light smoke condition and located a fire in the walls of a 1-1/2 story dwelling. Crews opened up and the fire was placed undercontrol in about 20 minutes.
- Fire News photo by Robert Ladd
3-Alarm, 3 DeckerFire in Beverly
On January 27, 2025, Beverly (MA) Fire responded fora fire in a building on Bennett Street. First-due companies had a fully-involved auto between two three-deckers. Both buildings had heavy fire showing from top to bottom as well, and a third alarm was struck on arrival. Peabody, Danvers, Hamilton, Salem, Manchesterand Wenham worked the job, and helped bring it under control. First-due companies did an outstanding job with quick waterand an aggressive attack, keeping the fire from spreading to more exposures.
Barn and House Fire
Afire on December14, 2024, on Portland Street in Rochester, destroyed a twostory barn and threatened an attached home. The Rochester(NH) Fire Department, with mutual aid companies, responded to the incident and successfully prevented furtherdamage to the home. Based on initial information, the shift commanderrequested a box alarm before leaving Central Station, ensuring additional resources were en route. Upon arrival, Engine 4 reported a fully involved barn that posed a threat to the connected home. Asecond alarm was transmitted. The fire quickly spread, requiring a third alarm as the fire spread to the attic, second floor, and first-floor. No injuries were reported during the incident. Mutual aid came from Somersworth, Dover, Farmington, Milton, Berwick, Lebanon, and Sanford. Additional station coverage was provided by Newington, Barrington, and Sanford, along with off-duty Rochesterfirefighters. - Submitted by Rochester, NH Scanner Alerts
- Fire News photo by Glenn S. Preston
Brush Fire in Higganum
The Haddam (CT) VolunteerFire Company was dispatched to Doane Road in Higganum fora reported brush fire. Upon arrival, crews encountered an approximately 50- x 100-foot fire spreading rapidly neara home and up a heavily-forested hill. Firefighters quickly worked to extinguish the fire and stop the spread. Overhaul took approximately an hour.
- Fire News photo by Olivia Drake, HVFC PIO; CFPA
Bridgeport
Commercial All Hands
At approximately 1400 on December6, 2024, the Bridgeport (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to Boston Avenue fora commercial garage fire. Afull assignment and an all hands was called. First companies arriving on the Boston Avenue scene reported heavy fire showing from a three-bay commercial garage. Explosions were reported possibly due to several propane tanks involved in the fire. Adefensive attack was immediately taken. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation and there were no reported injuries. Mutual aid responded from Stratford and Fairfield.
- Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
Hoarding at Marlborough
2-Alarmer
House Fire in Whitman
Around 0610 on January 7, 2025, the Whitman (MA) Fire Department responded to a reported fire on Fullerton Avenue. Engine 243, Ladder246 and Car3 responded and an East Bridgewatertowerwas started as automatic mutual aid. Companies had light smoke showing from a 2-1/2 story wood framed dwelling. Firefighters found a small fire on the second floor, and a handline was stretched and knocked down the fire. Additional arriving companies overhauled and checked forextension. AHanson engine covered Whitman Fire Headquarters. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
On January 13, 2025, Marlborough (CT) responded to a secondalarm fire at 0500. The fire on Jones Hollow Road required numerous mutual aid to assist due to hoarding conditions. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Just Happened to be Passing By
While on the way to a natural gas call, Rescue 1 observed smoke coming from a building on Main Street. Companies found a fire in the building and quickly knocked it down. There were no injuries.
- Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Fatality at Norwich House Fire
In mid-October, Norwich (CT) Engine 33 and Ladder5 was dispatched to Summit Street fora reported house fire with an occupant trapped. On arrival, the Aside of the dwelling was heavily involved and the occupant still missing. Crews stretched in and also started to search. The heavy fire was knocked down in a few minutes and a short time latera seven-year-old girl was located and removed from the dwelling and raced to the waiting ambulance crew. CPR was started and she was transported to the hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. There was heavy damage to all floors of the dwelling, and the cause was underinvestigation.
- Fire News photo by Robert Ladd, CFPA
Hooksett Backyard Burn Extends
Nashua FFs Make Short Work of Basement Fire
Hooksett (NH) Fire responded to Smyth Road fora report that items being burned in a fire pit had started a brush fire. Units arrived to fire spreading into the wood line from the backyard of the house. Additional apparatus was requested, and mutual aid came from Manchesterand Candia fire departments. Despite high winds and dry conditions, the fire was held to less than an acre on the property where it started and an adjacent property. Afteran extended time and crews working to overhaul the area of the fire, it was brought undercontrol.
- Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings
Arson in Southbridge
Aseven-alarm fire in Southbridge that displaced 12 families was intentionally set and investigators are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact the Arson Watch Reward Hotline at 1-800682-9229. The Arson Watch Reward Program is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association and offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information. All calls are confidential, and tipsters may remain anonymous if they prefer.
The fire at 5-7 Union Street was first reported at 0325 on November 13, 2024, and quickly spread to the neighboring building. Arriving companies observed heavy fire and struck second and third alarms for additional resources. The fire ultimately went to seven alarms, drawing firefighters and apparatus from more than a dozen communities.
Firefighters had the blaze under control by about 0615. One firefighter reported a hand injury and was transported to UMass MemorialHarrington Hospital for evaluation. Working smoke alarms helped to rouse sleeping residents and allowed them to escape safely.
- Submitted by Jake Wark
East Haven Basement Fire
The Nashua (NH) fire alarm office began receiving calls fora building fire on Ridge Road on the evening on January 3, 2025. Engine 3 arrived to find smoke showing from a dwelling with reports of fire in the basement. Companies stretched two handlines to the main body of fire in the basement, while the truck companies performed searches and ventilated. The fire was knocked down in a short amount of time. - Fire News photo by Jamie Kelley
2 Weeks Work at Butternut Brush Fire
Afterseveral days of on and off red flag warnings, the fire that firefighters figured was coming happened, and then some. About 2100 on the night of November18, 2024, fire was discovered deep in the woods above URJ EisnerCamp off Brookside Road in Great Barrington (MA). Crews attempted to reach what was eventually called the Butternut Brush Fire, and found the terrain wasn’t safe to travel in the dark. Access to the initial fire scene was also hampered by several local bridges being out of service forrepairs. The fire operations resumed the next morning and continued forovertwo weeks. By the end, the fire had charred over1600 acres. This was the largest fire photographerEd Harvey said he had worked in his 40-yearcareer. Amazingly, there were no injuries and no structures were lost.
- Fire News photo cortesy of Ed Harvey
Townsend 2-Alarm House Fire
Just before 2130 on January 8, 2025, New Haven (CT) firefighters responded to Clinton Avenue fora reported basement fire. Upon arrival, Engine 10 found fire in the rearof a 2-1/2 story wood frame. The fire was mostly exteriorand was quickly knocked down. Companies then stretched in and checked forany extension, which was found on the first and second floors. Companies extinguished the fire in about 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by Jack McCarthy (Fill The Box Fire Photography)
the
-
Townsend (MA) firefighters responded to a house fire on Bayberry Hill Road on the night of December9, 2024. Companies arrived to find heavy fire showing from the single-family dwelling and command struck a second alarm bringing in mutual aid to the scene and to cover. Companies used a defensive operation to knock down
main body of fire.
Fire News photo by Patrick Kerrigan
Truck Fire Extends
On December22, 2024, Berlin (CT) Engine 8 arrived to a fully involved truck fire. Cromwell fire also responded to extinguish a brush fire along the road.
- Fire News photo by Robert Brown
Lithium-Ion Batteries Start
4-Alarmerin
Onset
On January 5, 2025, Onset (MA) Fire responded to a commercial building on Cranberry Highway fora structure fire. Firefighters had heavy fire conditions in a hobby store. The fire went to a fourth alarm and was found to be started due to Lithium-Ion batteries.
- Fire News photo by John Sjosttedt
Carinto Trees in Dunstable
Dunstable (MA) firefighters were dispatched to an MVAwith fire on Main Street. Companies arrived to find a single vehicle had veered off the road and struck trees then caught fire back in the
roadway. Two occupants of the vehicle were able to self-extricate priorto the fire department arrival and were not injured.
- Fire News photo by Patrick Kerrigan
CTTransit Bus Versus Auto
AConnecticut Transit bus and an SUVcollided at 2245 on December25, 2024, in West Haven (CT). The accident occurred at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Main Street. The impact of the collision sent the bus careening toward an occupied apartment building. The SUVcame to rest across the street. Five civilians were injured in the MVA. The West Haven Police Department, along with CTTransit, were investigating.
- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda, Allhandsworking
Fatality at Nashua Single-CarMVA
One person died in a single vehicle into-utility-pole MVAon Daniel Webster Highway in Nashua. Nashua Fire Rescue, Police and AMR Ambulance responded to the scene and found the carinto a pole with live wires down. Police shut down the northbound lanes of D.W. Highway at Spit Brook Road and fire crews attempted to gain access to the person in the heavily damaged vehicle. Firefighters were prevented access due to multiple transformers and live wires on the vehicle. Eversource was notified fora priority response to the scene. Due to the severity of the injuries, a MedFlight helicopterwas requested and landed, awaiting the patient extrication. Eventually, powerwas secured so that firefighters and AMR personnel could gain access to the patient. Afterevaluation the patient was pronounced deceased at the scene and MedFlight was returned to service.
- Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings
Extrication a MajorJob forOccum and Yantic
Occum and Yantic fire departments (CT) were dispatched to Interstate 395 south between exits 14 - 18 fora reported carversus tractor-trailerMVA. Units received an update from the Connecticut State Police reporting a pin job. As crews arrived, it was discovered that the crash involved two cars and two commercial trucks. The second truck, carrying a new overhead crane boom weighing 25000 pounds had broken free of its bindings and shifted 63 inches into the
cab of the tractor. The driverwas pinned in his seat with the back of the seat against the beam. Crews cribbed and stabilized the trucks, checked the otherdrivers forinjuries, then began extrication as more companies arrived. The driverwas conscious and alert, but in pain. Crews worked forabout an hourto free him.
- Fire News photo by Robert Ladd, CFPA
Just after1700 on December30, 2024, Athol (MA) Fire responded to a two- carMVAon Main Street. Upon arrival, crews discovered one vehicle on its side with the operatortrapped. Crews worked to remove the driverthrough the rearhatch and transported the patient with non-life-threatening injuries. The driverof the other vehicle refused transport.
- Fire News photo by Bryan Favreau, Onscene Images
New Haven Rollover
Just after1030 on February 3, 2025, New Haven (CT) firefighters responded to Quinnipiac Avenue fora reported rolloverMVA. Engine 17 arrived to a single-carrolloverwith one occupant inside. Truck 3 and Rescue 1 arrived and were able to remove the roof of the vehicle to extricate the patient. The patient was then treated by AMR and transported. - Fire News photo by Jack McCarthy (Fill The Box Fire Photography)
10 Displaced in 100-PlusYearOld Building Fire
Mendon (MA) firefighters were called to a building on South Main Street nearthe intersection of Mendon Street fora possible roof collapse. Asection of the building’s facade and a part of the roof collapsed, and the building was evacuated. Alarge, gaping hole was found in the roof. Heavy, wet horsehairplasterfell on the two third-flooroccupants. Injuries appeared non-life threatening. The building was built in 1898 and housed fourapartments and several businesses, including a law office. Approximately 10 people were displaced. Engineers were to determine the fate of the building.
- Fire News photo by Matt Gregoire
Manchester Truck Into House
Manchester(NH) Fire, Police, and AMR responded to a report of a vehicle into a residence on Cedar Hill Drive. On arrival, fire crews found a pickup that had crashed through a garage, causing significant structural damage. Firefighters began medical aid to a man who was seriously injured in the crash and transported him to the Elliot Hospital with what were believed to be serious but non-life-threatening injuries. ManchesterFire Battalion Chief Jon Fosherrequested that the building collapse unit respond to the scene to stabilize the structure. Crews made bracing, which allowed the structure stability, and then removed the pickup. Battalion Chief Foshersaid it appeared the man was outside of the pick-up, possibly pushing it when it lunged forward. - Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings
No Injuries in Orange Belly Landing
Just after0930 on January 12, 2025, Orange (MA) Fire Rescue EMS responded to the Orange Municipal Airport fora report of an aircraft with mechanical issues. Units staged as the pilot circled the runway then came and performed a successful belly landing. No injuries were reported.
- Fire News photo by Bryan Favreau, Onscene Images
Routes
Berlin (CT) firefighters responded fora single-carMVAon the ramp from
5 and 15 to Route 9 with Engine 8 and Kensington Squad 4. - Fire News photo by Robert Brown
Phillipston MVA
At 1914 on November24, 2024, the Phillipston (MA) Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a pickup had jumped the guardrail and snapped a utility pole. Upon arrival, crews found the operatorhad self-extricated and was uninjured. The vehicle sustained heavy damage and was recovered by CO&S Garage using theirrotater. Fire units remained on scene until the vehicle was safely removed.
- Fire News photo by Bryan Favreau, Onscene images
Merrimack MVACloses Both Lanes of Everett Tpk.
Amulti-vehicle crash which occurred in both lanes nearexit 12 on the Everett Turnpike closed the turnpike forseveral hours. Apickup pulling a trailertraveling southbound lost control forunknown reasons and crossed overthe median into the northbound lane. The pickup appeared to have struck multiple othervehicles including a passengercarwhich rolled over, and anotherpickup. Othervehicles in the northbound lane appeared to have minorcollateral damage. Merrimack Fire, and New Hampshire State Police responded and were assisted by NH DOTin shutting down the northbound lane and detouring traffic. Additional resources were requested to the scene based on serious injuries to two of the occupants of the vehicles. Awoman was trapped in one of the pickups and firefighters used hydraulic tools to remove the woman from the vehicle. Bedford Fire responded to the scene with an additional ambulance to transport one of the seriously injured occupants.
- Fire News photo by Jeffery Hastings
Up Close &Personal
Shelton (CT) Firefighters Ryan (left) and Austin Hathway at a house fire in December2024. The two are also Lieutenants forthe Bridgeport (CT) Fire Department, and also work with theirdad who is a Battalion Chief in Bridgeport. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
Beverly (MA) firefighters at a building fire on Bennett Street, January 27, 2025.
Members past and present of the Park Avenue firehouse.
- Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Tilton-Northfield (NH) Firefighter Aiden O’Brien. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
- Fire News photo by Glenn S. Preston
Amemberof the Manchester(CT) Police resuscitating a cat at the January 28, 2025 fire on Steep Hollow Lane.
- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Firefighters from the New Haven (CT) Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Jack McCarthy (Filltheboxphotography)
House Total Loss in Spencer
Spencer(MA) firefighters responded fora structure fire on December22, 2024. The dwelling was fully involved on arrival and the decision was made to protect exposures. Numerous propane tanks were venting in the fire building, as well as a large amount of fireworks. The house, located on Thompson Pond, was in the out-
skirts of town on the Paxton line. There were no hydrants in the area and a tankershuttle was set up. Some portable pumps were also set into the pond to help draft water. One house was a total loss while two otherhouses sustained damage.
- Fire News photos by Paul Shea
Training
Train MCI Training Session
On November 4, 2024, the Quincy (MA) Fire Department, Quincy Police Department and Brewster Ambulance all took part in the training session in the vicinity of Quincy Adams Station. They were joined by MBTATransit Police, MassDOT, State Department of Public Utilities, the Federal Transit Administration and Keolis also assisted in or supported the exercise, which was developed and led by K&J Safety and Security Consulting Services.
The exercise included a scenario where a subway train traveling along that stretch of Red Line tracks experienced an unexpected inci-
Looking Back
January 2014 Shelton, CT
At approximately 0030 on January 6, 2014, the Shelton (CT) Fire Department responded to what ended up being a four-alarm fire in a century-old four-story apartment building on Howe Avenue. The fire, which possibly started in the basement, quickly had firefighters racing to rescue droves of people from the upperfloors of the building that housed businesses and restaurants on the first floor and rear. In all, approximately 27 people were displaced and five were taken to the hospital. Firefighting operations included a tankershuttle due to an earlierwatermain break and frozen hydrants. During the blaze, the upperfloors of the apartment building collapsed into the stores on the first floor, damaging one of Shelton’s engines. Mutual aid was required from many local departments both at the scene and forstation coverage. It was reported that there were over100 firefighters operating at the height of the blaze.
- Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
dent. Responders faced challenges included the extrication of people from under the train, treatment of injured riders aboard the train, and the evacuation of passengers, including visually impaired passengers and passengers in wheelchairs.
This exercise was designed to establish a learning environment for transportation and public safety officials to exercise emergency response plans, policies, and procedures as they pertain to a mass casualty event on an MBTAsubway train, according to the transit agency.
- Photo courtesy Michael J. Worley
June 2010
Bolton, MA
On June 18, 2010, firefighters responded to a fire in a Bolton (MA) home built in 1725. The fire was so intense that the light baron Hudson Tower Laddermelted and the front windshield shattered.
In the photo firefighters retreat from, the bucket as anotherhoses down the front of the truck.
- Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
CFS Junior Program
Connecticut Fire Academy class photo from Advanced Skills and Concepts Program (Junior Program) taken in August 2024.
- Submitted by Alan Zygmunt
Shelton’s Popcorn Ball Sunday
At approximately 1330 on December22, 2024, Shelton’s (CT) Echo Hose Truck Company 3 turned onto Audubon Lane to commence theirtraditional Popcorn Ball Sunday mission. Every year, members of the fourShelton fire companies pick up Santa and man theirapparatus on a weekend before Christmas to throw popcorn balls to the children in theirfirst-due districts. Requests forstreets to be covered can be placed in the comments section of the company’s Facebook post forthe event. All companies are ‘on-duty’during this event, so calls forfires may come in during the mission. Santa may then have to throw on an airpack and battle a blaze, but as it has been in years past, the mission will continue afterrecall. Merry Christmas! - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
5th Anniversary Memorial of Menard LODD
Remembering WorcesterFirefighterJason Menard. Amemorial was dedicated in his honor. His actual ball cap and boots were cast forthe memorial. - Fire News photos by Paul Shea
Chelmsford’s Newest FirefighterAlec Racioppi Completes Fire Academy in PFAS-Free Gear
The Chelmsford Fire Department’s newest firefighter is believed to be the first to complete the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) in a set of gear manufactured without PFAS, the “forever chemicals” (polyfluoroalkyl substances), which can increase firefighters’risk of developing occupational cancer, said Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan.
Firefighter Alec Racioppi graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Career Recruit Training Program on December 20, 2024. He was one of 33 recruits from 17 local fire departments to complete the 10-week foundational course at the MFA’s Stow campus.
Unlike his fellow students, however, Firefighter Racioppi trained for and fought his first fires in turnout gear that did not contain PFAS. These substances are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or the human body. PFAS are used in a variety of consumer products, as well as in most structural firefighting gear because of their ability to withstand high heat and repel penetration by water and oil. In recent years, they have been linked to increased cancer risk in humans, and cancer is the most common cause of death in the fire service.
So, before he headed off to the academy, the Chelmsford Fire Department issued Firefighter Racioppi a set of Morning Pride TAILS gear with a Stedair Clear moisture barrier that does not contain PFAS.
“This is an investment in firefighter health and safety,” said Chief Ryan. “As we come to learn more about PFAS in the fire service, it’s
become clear that we’re all going to transition away from products that contain it. These men and women have signed up to do a dangerous, demanding job. Hazards are part of the job, but occupational cancer shouldn’t be one of them.”
On August 15, 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed legislation that will phase out the use of PFAS in firefighting gear sold in Massachusetts. Effective January 1, 2025, manufacturers and sellers of personal protective equipment for firefighters containing PFAS chemicals will be required to notify the purchaser that the equipment contains PFAS chemicals, the reason the equipment contains PFAS chemicals, and the specific PFAS chemicals in the product. Effective January 1, 2027, manufacturers and sellers will be prohibited from knowingly selling gear containing PFAS chemicals or products that break down into PFAS chemicals that are intentionally added during manufacturing.
Firefighter Racioppi graduated with firefighters from Acton, Amesbury, Andover, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Dudley, Gardner, Hingham, Lexington, Littleton, Nantucket, Plainville, Weston, Wilmington, and Winchester. The 33 men and women have met the national standards of NFPA1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and are certified to the levels of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
- Submitted by Ryan Houle
25th Anniversary of the WorcesterCold Storage Fire
The 25th anniversary of the WorcesterCold Storage Fire was held on December2, 2024. Every yearfirefighters from Wichita, Kansas (pictured above), come out to Worcesterforthe memorial service.
They met some Worcesterfirefighters at a training seminarand stayed in touch overthe years due to having a mutual friend who passed away. (More photos on page 37). - Photos by Paul Shea
Fall River’s 40th Christmas Parade
On December7, 2024, the 40th Annual Children’s Holiday Parade stepped off in Fall River’s (MA) downtown Main Street. Leading the parade was a contingent of the Fall RiverPolice Department along with the Boston Police Pipes and Drum Band. The Fire Department was well represented by a large group of marchers as well as several apparatus. Each yearthe parade features several Macy’s style, giant balloons which keep the children on the edge of theirseats.
- Fire News photos by Ken Leger
20 Local FFs Graduate from Firefighting Academy Class S39
Represent 11 Massachusetts FDs
21 Local FFs Graduate from Firefighting AcademyClass BW32 Represent 12 Massachusetts FDs
The graduating firefighters of Class S39 represent the fire departments of Amherst, Chicopee, Dalton, Monson, Northampton, Palmer, Pittsfield, South Hadley Fire District 1, Springfield, Ware, and Westfield. The Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award, was presented to Firefighter Dylan Sliech of Springfield Fire and Emergency Services.
- Submitted by Jake Wark
33 Local FFs Graduate from Firefighting Academy Class 326 Represent 17 Massachusetts FDs
The graduating firefighters of Class 326 represent the fire departments of Acton, Amesbury, Andover, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Chelmsford, Dudley, Gardner, Hingham, Lexington, Littleton, Nantucket, Plainville, Weston, Wilmington, and Winchester.
The Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award, was presented to Firefighter Eric Randell of the Wilmington Fire Department. The award is named for the longtime chair of the Massachusetts testing, and evaluations over the course of the 10-week program.
The MFAprovides recruit and in-service training for career, call, and volunteer firefighters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief officer, at campuses in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater.
- Submitted by Jake Wark
29 Local FFGraduate from Firefighting Academy Class 327
Represent 17 Massachusetts FDs
State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy leadership today announced the graduation of 29 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.
The graduating firefighters of Class 327 represent the fire departments of Ashland, Auburn, Boxborough, Charlton, Douglas, Gloucester, Ipswich, Maynard, North Reading, Randolph, Salem, Tewksbury, Truro, Wakefield, Wayland, Winchester, and Woburn.
The Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award, which is presented to one recruit in each graduating career recruit training class, was presented to Firefighter Joseph Gello of the Salem Fire Department. The award is named for the longtime chair of the Massachusetts Fire Training Council.
- Submitted by Jake Wark
The graduating firefighters of Class BW32 represent the fire departments of Abington, Brewster, East Bridgewater, Fairhaven, Falmouth, Hingham, Middleborough, Provincetown, Truro, Walpole, Wrentham and Yarmouth.The Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award, which is presented to one recruit in each graduating career recruit training class, was presented to Firefighter Brayden Thompson of the Wrentham Fire Department. - Submitted Jake Wark
37 Fire Service Leaders Graduate from Management Training Program; Course is forProfessional Development forChiefs and Rising Officers
More than three dozen fire service leaders from across Massachusetts graduated from the 30th class of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said. The four-month program for new chief officers and chief officer candidates is delivered jointly by the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and the University of Massachusetts Edward J. Collins, Jr., Center for Public Management. Through classroom instruction, out-of-class assignments, and student presentations, the course delivers intensive training in the managerial aspects of leading a municipal.
Graduates and TheirDepartments Are: Acton Deputy Chief Chris Sammet, Bellingham; Deputy Chief Robert Provost, Bondsville ; Acting/Interim Chief Michael Germaine; Boylston; Deputy Chief Matthew Ronn, Braintree; Acting/Interim Chief Frederick Viola, Bridgewater; Deputy Chief Glen Grafton, Centerville-OstervilleMarstons, Mills, Deputy Chief Patrick Hill; Chelmsford; Deputy Chief Ryan Houle, Edgartown; Assistant Chief Joshua Baker, Fitchburg; Assistant Chief Patrick Haverty, Framingham; Deputy Chief Will Gingras, Franklin, Battalion Chief William Blanchard; Georgetown; Chief Matthew McKay, Holden; Assistant Chief Christopher Montiverdi, Holliston; Assistant Chief Brian Kelley, Hudson; Deputy Chief Brian Harrington, Lexington; Assistant Chief Donald Chisholm, Longmeadow; Deputy Chief John Rigney, Marlborough; Assistant Chief Jeffrey Gogan, Medford; Chief Todd Evans, Nahant; Chief Austin Antrim, Newbury; Acting/Interim Chief David Evans, Plainville ; Acting/Interim Chief Robert Skinner, Plymouth; Battalion Chief Brian Baragwanath, Reading; Assistant Chief Richard Nelson, Rutland; Deputy Chief Ryan Quinn, Seekonk; Chief Shaun Whalen, South Hadley-District 2; Chief Ryan Moore, Springfield; District Chief Miguel Rivera, Sutton; Deputy Chief Robin Dresser, Three Rivers; Chief Stephen Nodurf, Tisbury; Acting/Interim Chief Patrick Rolston, Turners Falls; Chief Todd Brunelle, Webster; Deputy Chief Jeffrey Saad, Westborough; Deputy Chief Stephen Doucet, Westwood ; Deputy Chief Christian Pierce, Wilbraham; and Deputy Chief Mathew Walch.
- Submitted by Jake Wark
Simsbury, Canton, Avon at Simsbury Christmas Parade
FAMAand FEMSAAre Deeply Saddened to Report the Passing of William (Bill) Foster
Bill Foster (previously of Spartan Emergency Response) passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 83, after a long-fought battle with cancer. Known and loved by many, Bill was considered a mainstay in the fire industry. His passion for firetrucks and commitment to training firefighters and mechanics remains evident today.
In roughly 1976, Bill and three others started Spartan Motors in Charlotte, MI. For more than 30 years, Bill worked to build Spartan to the successful business it is today. Bill served as VPand on the Board of Directors.
After 27 years, Bill retired from active service on the Delta Township Fire Department holding many ranks including Assistant Chief. Bill was also dedicated to his family. He and his wife of 57 years, Joan, had two sons, James and Philip. Over the years, Bill and Joan’s family has grown to include seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church Restoration Fund. 917 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
SuperVac Founder Erv WeinmeisterPasses
Super Vacuum Manufacturing Founder Erv Weinmeister passed away in the early morning hours on December 27, 2024, at UC Health Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado.
Erv Weinmeister was an inventor and wellloved entrepreneur, who devoted 24 years as a firefighter and seven decades to fire equipment manufacturing. Many in the industry called him “a visionary who pushed the fire industry forward.”
Weinmeister dedicated 24 years to the Loveland Volunteer Fire Department. He served as Chief od the Loveland VFC during the Big Thompson Flood of 1976, leading the recovery effort. In 1971, the company built its firstever fire truck. Today, Super Vac’s fire truck division is now known as SVI Trucks.
In the end, Weinmeister never stopped working. He drove to work, walked the floors, put in his office time, then made the lunch hour bell before leaving for the day to start it all over again - up until the very end. “That’s what he instilled in all of us,” his family said. “To work hard for something good. That’s the legacy Erv left us.” The Weinmeister family asks that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities at rmhc.org/donate at rmhc.org/donate.
Vehicles from Canton, Avon and Simsbury (CT) parade down Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury recently. - Fire News photo by Mark Grabowski
Remembering the Worcester6
Worcester(MA) fire held a pop up during the week of the anniversary of the WorcesterCold Storage fire. The display was set up across the street in Union Station. Artifacts from the fire were on
display. Items had been left from people across the world as a sign of respect to the fallen Worcester6. Alarge model of the building was also on display. - Fire News photos by Paul Shea
Dracut Fire Department Holds Pushing in Ceremony
Chief Michael Cunha is pleased to report that the Dracut Fire Department held a traditional pushing in ceremony to christen a new engine which is replacing the department’s aging Engine 1.
Chief Cunha offered a brief speech before Fire Department Chaplain Rev. Larry Zimmerman led firefighters in a prayer to bless the new truck. The truck was then pushed into Station 1.
“This new apparatus represents far more than just a vehicle - it represents the hours of training, preparation, and teamwork that go into ensuring we are ready to serve when duty calls. It symbolizes our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and excellence for our firefighters, and it ensures that we are equipped to respond to emergencies with the latest technology and capability,” said Chief Cunha.
The Dracut Fire Department would like to thank the Town of Dracut and the town’s leadership for making this important purchase possible. The department would also like to thank members of the Truck Committee for their hard work to determine the specifications that would be needed for the new truck. Members of the committee included Capt. Kevin Bigold, retired Lt. Kevin Martin, Firefighter Tom Joyce and Firefighter Chris Gagne. - Submitted by Robert Mills
Springfield Fire’s Lt. Erik Ryan Works Last Night
On January 22, 2025, Springfield (MA) Fire Ltieutenant Erik worked his last night tourat headquarters, as he has been transferred to Mason Square on the Rescue Squad Agroup. He previously was at the Rescue Squad forfouryears, three years at HQ, Training fortwo years and the last yearand half on Truck 1. Left to right: Lieutenant Ryan, FirefighterPerales, Captain Hicks, FirefighterJames, Lieutenant Tandredi, FirefighterHolmes and Probation FirefighterBushway.
- Fire News photo by John DeForest
State Fire Marshal Recognizes Fire Academy Staff forMedical Response Annual Performance Recognition Ceremony Highlights Accomplishments
State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine recognized the life-saving actions of Massachusetts Firefighting Academy personnel during a ceremony that honored outstanding employee performance and anniversary milestones.
The Department of Fire Services’annual Performance Recognition Program ceremony highlights the contributions of DFS staff to the agency’s mission, which supports local fire departments through firefighter training, fire investigation, hazardous materials response, code development and enforcement, public education, grants, and more.
This year, it also recognized members of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s instructor staff and support branch, who took immediate action when a recruit experienced a severe medical emergency at the MFA’s Stow campus on January 29 2025.
“In the span of just a few moments, the recruit lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest,” State Fire Marshal Davine said at the ceremony. “Fortunately, the instructors and support staff immediately went into action. They got the recruit’s pulse back, and he was conscious and alert when he was transported to an area hospital.”
is someone entrusted to your care. I really appreciate the CISM team mobilizing to help them, and I hope the certificate in their name reflects how grateful we are.”
Also recognized at the ceremony were:
• JoAnne Caruso, who stepped up to provide crucial assistance on data cleanup, formatting, and migration in support of a new cloud-based inventory management program;
• Timothy Moore, who went above and beyond in helping to manage more than $15 million in fire service grants and legislative earmarks;
State Fire Marshal Davine issued certificates of recognition to Assistant Coordinator David Ryan; the Officer of the Day, Paul McPhail; EMS Officer Joseph DeSisto; Instructors Joel Abreu, Benjamin Arnold, Jeff Cote, Jeremy Coupal, Kevin Cronin, David DeMarco, Paul Duquette, Mike Dwyer, Jackson Lowbridge, Tony Marfongelli, Ed Morrissey, Jim Puleo, Andrejs Sterns, and Chris Stevens; and support staff members Kevin Holstrom and Paul Pavone. All of them are active or retired firefighters; several who were able to attend the ceremony were joined by the chiefs of their fire departments.
The DFS Critical Incident Stress Management Team activated to debrief with recruits and staff after the incident, and they too were presented with a certificate.
“Medical emergencies are part and parcel of a firefighter’s day-today work,” he said. “But a crisis like this is different for recruits who are still getting their bearings on the job, and it’s different when the patient
• Dr. Sara Pragluski Walsh, who launched an immersion program for vocational school students to support fire service recruitment at a time when interested candidates are declining - all on her own initiative and in addition to her assigned duties; and
• Robert Escott and William Scheutze, who took on the responsibility of reviewing the MFA’s Recruit Firefighter program to ensure that its instruction, documentation, and teaching staff adhered to the latest edition of the relevant standard, NFPA1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications.
Also recognized were more than 80 staff members who have reached significant anniversary milestones for service to DFS and its predecessor agencies, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. They included 22 employees with five years of service, 22 with 10 years of service, nine with 15 years of service, five with 20 years of service, nine with 25 years of service, four with 30 years of service, five with 35 years of service, and two - Michael McKeown and William Defreest - who have supported the Commonwealth’s fire service for 40 years.
Finally, State Fire Marshal Davine and Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier announced that Michael McKeown had won the annual DFS Chili Cook-Off. McKeown, who has worked at both the MFA and the Special Operations team, cooked up a smoked brisket chili with three types of beans and jalapeno, habanero, and chili peppers, beating out four other culinary contenders. - Submitted by Jake Wark
