April 2018

The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 287 emergency incidents during the month of April including 36 box alarms and 251 still alarms.

The department responded to five requests for mutual aid during April, once each to Lynnfield, Malden, Melrose, Reading and Stoneham. It received mutual aid four times during April, twice each from Reading and Stoneham. A crew from Engine 1 led by Lieutenant John Walsh covered a vacant Lynnfield fire station during an incident in that community on April 7. A crew from Engine 2 under Lieutenant Lou Sardella covered Stoneham Fire Headquarters during the morning of April 10. Firefighters from Engine 1 under the command of Lieutenant John Mercurio assisted the Reading Fire Department at the scene of a 3-alarm fire at 13 Berkley Street during the evening of April 12. Lieutenant Joseph Albert along with a crew from Engine 2 covered a vacant Malden fire station during a multiple alarm fire in that city on the morning of April 18.

Firefighters under the command of Captain Brian Purcell responded to a report of a structure fire at 2-2A Newell Road in Wakefield during the afternoon of April 12. Firefighters arrived to find the rear of the two-family residence burning. Crews quickly extinguished the fire, containing it primarily to the rear wall and rear porch areas. There was minimal extension of fire into the structure, however, the fire caused considerable smoke damage inside both apartments. Power had to be disconnected to the building, resulting in the displacement of approximately ten building occupants. The Red Cross was summoned to the scene to assist these displaced occupants. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, most likely caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials next to the rear porch. One firefighter received a minor injury as a result of the fire. A Stoneham fire engine responded to the scene to assist firefighter while a Reading engine covered Wakefield Fire headquarters.

Wakefield firefighters led by Captain Paul Pronco responded to 37 Cordis Street during the late evening of April 24 in response to a report of a large shed on fire in the rear yard. Firefighters arrived to find the outside wall of the shed on fire and extending into the structure. The fire was quickly extinguished confining it to the area of origin. There was considerable smoke damage to the shed although the structure itself was saved. There were no injuries as a result of the fire. An investigation determined the cause to be the careless disposal of smoking materials.

Firefighters under the command of Captain Brian Purcell responded to a report of a house fire at 125 Pleasant Street on the morning of April 27. On arrival, crews were met with heavy smoke and high heat conditions within the home. The resulting zero visibility conditions made the fire difficult to locate at first. The fire was eventually located in a dining room on the first floor and extinguished. The home was not occupied during the fire as it was undergoing extensive renovations. The house was outfitted with energy efficient windows and was fully insulated, allowing it to hold in the heat of the fire and filling it to the floor level with smoke. Rapid and extensive ventilation of windows throughout the home prevented a potential backdraft from taking place. The fire itself was contained to the first floor dining room and adjoining walls and floor, but caused heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the structure. The home is structurally intact and can be rebuilt. The family was not displaced as a result of the fire as they were already relocated due to the renovations, however, their return to the home will be significantly delayed until all of the repairs can be made. There were no injuries as a result of the fire. The cause is still under investigation but has been determined to be accidental.

April brought significant changes to personnel within the department. Captain Christopher Smith officially resigned from the department after 23 years of service, creating an opening for a Fire Captain and a Fire Lieutenant. As a result Fire Lieutenant John Walsh was promoted to Fire Captain and Firefighter Daniel Hancock was promoted to Fire Lieutenant during a short ceremony at Wakefield Fire Headquarters on April 9. Walsh is a thirteen year member of the department and has been assigned as the department’s new Fire Prevention Officer. Hancock is a seven year member of the department and has been assigned to Group 1 under Captain Randy Hudson. The department congratulates these members on their promotions and looks forward to working with them on their new assignments.

Newly appointed Captain Walsh started his duties as Fire Prevention Officer on April 12. He is busy conducting licensing inspections for group homes and day care centers and will be taking several training classes related to his new assignment in May. A new restaurant at 979 Main Street, known as Tequila’s, received its final fire inspection during April. The Fire Prevention Bureau is currently reviewing plans for another restaurant, Tonno’s, to be located at the Wakefield Station development at 175 North Avenue. Construction operations have commenced at the Walton School and are being closely monitored by fire prevention as well. All groups have commenced their annual Emergency Medical Technician continuing education classes. The department has also commenced its annual hose testing which will continue through the month of May.

Incident Response Report

Fire Prevention Report