April 2019

The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 291 emergency incidents during the month of April including 30 box alarms and 261 still alarms.

The department responded to three requests for mutual aid during April, once each to Melrose, Reading and Saugus. It received mutual aid three times in April, twice from Lynnfield and once from Reading. A crew from Engine 2 under the direction of Lieutenant Michael Long assisted he Saugus Fire Department at the scene of a structure fire at 74 Elm Street during the early evening of April 2. Firefighters from Engine 1 under the command of Lieutenant Daniel Hancock assisted the Reading Fire Department at the scene of a 2-alarm fire at 236 High Street during the early morning of April 5.

Firefighters under the command of Captain Randy Hudson responded to the McDonald’s restaurant at 572 Main Street during the early morning of April 3 for a reported vehicle into a building. On arrival, firefighters found that a car had crashed into a storage building behind the main restaurant building, driving fully into the structure. The lone occupant of the vehicle was not seriously injured but was transported to an area hospital as a precaution. The Building Inspector was notified and determined that there was no structural damage to the building. The vehicle was removed from the building and towed from the scene. The main restaurant was not affected by the collision and was able to remain open.

Acting Captain Michael Long and a crew from Engine 1 under Lieutenant Daniel Hancock responded to a Fairmount Avenue residence during the afternoon of April 18 in response to a reported chemical spill at that location. Firefighters met with an occupant, who reported that he had discovered and cleaned up a spill involving an old mercury thermometer. Captain Long followed department protocol and activated the District 2 Hazardous Materials Response Team for a response to the home to confirm the presence of mercury and provide advice as to the proper clean-up procedures for any spilled mercury. The Hazardous Materials Team dispatched five members with a truck to the scene. Two members donned chemical suits and entered the residence. They quickly confirmed that mercury had in fact been spilled and took measures to completely collect up any spilled material and properly contain it. Representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental protection also responded, conducted further testing and quickly determined that there was no residual mercury remaining inside the residence. All contaminated materials were safely contained and properly disposed of. The occupants could then renter the home with no precautions required. These services were provided by the state at no cost to the homeowners.

Firefighters under the command of Captain Thomas Purcell responded to a serious motor vehicle accident at 103 Water Street during the evening of April 30. Upon their arrival, firefighters found a car lying on its side with a single trapped occupant inside the vehicle. The vehicle was smoking and there were reports of a second vehicle occupant that was nowhere in sight. Captain Purcell requested a full response from the on-duty shift. The trapped occupant was quickly removed and transported to an area hospital. An extensive search of the area did not turn up any more vehicle occupants and it was eventually determined that the female operator was the lone occupant. All crews worked quickly and efficiently to rescue the driver and bring the matter to a successful conclusion.

All duty shifts continued conducting their in-service business safety inspections during the month of April. Firefighters also participated in continuing education classes in April as part of their on-going requirements to maintain their certificates as Emergency Medical Technicians. Cub Scouts from Packs 722 and 712 visited Wakefield Fire headquarters during the evenings of April 22 and 23 respectively.

Incident Response Report

Fire Prevention Report