August 2023

The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 320 emergency incidents during the month of August 2023 including 24 box alarms and 296 still alarms. The department responded to three requests for mutual aid during August, once each to Lynnfield, Melrose and Woburn. The department received mutual aid three times during August, twice from Lynnfield and once from Stoneham. A crew from Engine 1 led by Lt. John Mercurio covered a vacant Woburn fire station while firefighters from that community were tied up at a 2-alarm structure fire during the evening of August 8.

There were no significant structure fires during the month of August. The regular rain showers during the month also helped keep the number of brush fires to a minimum. The department took the property owner of the former gas station at 343 Albion Street up on an offer to use the vacant building for training. All four groups utilized the building to practice roof opening procedures using the department’s chain saws.

Each group received an instructor-led training on specific types of rescues involving entrapments and equipment during the week of August 7. Department members received a brief classroom presentation on specific rescue situations and then practiced extrication using tools they already carry on their fire apparatus. Situations they trained on including ring removals, entrapments involving impalements, entrapments involving meat grinders and industrial machinery and how to quickly lift heavy objects without the use of hydraulic rescue equipment. The training was very informative and involved practical hands-on training that all who participated can put to good use in the future.

All groups participated in Emergency Medical Technician training classes and conducted training with the department’s aerial ladder and fire pumpers. Additional training was conducted on vehicle extrication during August. The department continued to conduct its annual fire safety business inspections during August.

Firefighters from Engine 1 visited Kindercare children’s center on North Avenue on August 1. Another crew from Engine 1 visited the YMCA summer camp operated out of the First Parish Congregational Church on August 7.

Incident Response Report

Fire Prevention Report