August 2024

The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 419 emergency incidents during the month of August, 2024 including 43 box alarms and 376 still alarms. Provisional Fire Chief Thomas M. Purcell continues to lead the department in Chief Michael Sullivan’s extended absence on family leave. The department responded to two requests for mutual aid during August, once to Saugus and once to the City of Chelsea. Firefighters from Engine 2, led by Lieutenant Michael Long, responded to a 2nd alarm fire to assist Saugus at 16 Hanson Road. Engine 2 responded to the City of Chelsea on the afternoon of August 14, 2024 at their 5th alarm fire located at 185 Washington Street. Engine 2’s crew, led by Lieutenant Gary Hill, assisted establishing feeder lines for a Revere Ladder Truck and Chelsea Engine 2. Engine 2 also deployed a blitz attack gun to assist in fire suppression. The department received mutual aid once during August from the Town of Lynnfield.

On August 4, 2024 at approximately 4:45 pm the Wakefield Fire Department, under the command of Captain Brian Purcell, responded to a reported vehicle fire in the area of Cedar Street at Cedar Court. On arrival, in the area of 23 Cedar Street, Shift Commander Purcell had an F-550 Utility vehicle with what appeared to be smoke emanating from the vehicle. Several sudden bursts and plumes of white smoke could be seen. Wakefield Engine 1 arrived and stretched a handline as a precaution.

It was quickly ascertained that the truck contained a 5-gallon plastic pail of powdered chlorine which was cracked and had reacted with the very recent heavy rainfall. This created several explosive type chemical reactions within the compromised pail of chlorine and then dissipated quickly.

Companies on scene deployed combustible gas meters and thermal imaging cameras all with negative readings. A tier 1 HazMat response was requested and 5 members of the State Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Unit arrived on scene shortly thereafter.

The State HazMat unit quickly conducted a hazard and risk assessment of the situation. It was confirmed that the chlorine in the bucket had reacted with the rainfall causing the chemical reaction. The area was continuously metered for hazardous conditions with none found. Chlorine gas, being heavier than air, created an initial burst of product, then fell to the ground and quickly dissipated with no concern or threat to nearby occupied homes – just a slight odor according to the HazMat technicians on site. As a precaution firefighters did notify some of the homeowners in the very immediate area to close windows and shut down HVAC systems temporarily.

The Department of Environment Protection was notified and responded. DEP was able to approve of the containment and wash down tactic of any remaining product that the State HazMat Technicians had strategized. The pail of chlorine was packaged into a 55- gallon HazMat container for removal from the site and the truck was thoroughly washed down of any remaining residue. The Town DPW provided dichlorination mats for a nearby catch basin which completely neutralized any run-off during the wash down period. All companies were clear of the scene by 10:45 pm.

On the evening of August 5, companies under the command of Captain Randy Hudson, responded to 146 Lowell Street for the odor of natural gas. On arrival companies evacuated the building which houses several businesses including Bellino’s Restaurant. After a thorough investigation several unlit oven pilots dispensing natural gas into the restaurant were discovered and the units were shut down. The structure was ventilated, with Wakefield Municipal Light & Gas responding to assist the Fire Department in metering.

On the afternoon of August 21, 2024 at approximately 2:34 p.m. the Department responded to a pedestrian struck at the intersection of Water and Vernon Street. On arrival Engine 2 company, led by Lieutenant Jerry Sancinito, found Police administering CPR to an unconscious 78-year-old male who had been struck by a motor vehicle sustaining a traumatic head injury. Cataldo ambulance paramedics, fire, and police worked using life saving measures to rapidly package and transport the patient to the hospital. Sadly, the elderly gentleman succumbed to his injuries.

On August 24, 2024 at approximately 5:35 p.m. a box alarm assignment was transmitted for the report of swimmers in distress in Crystal Lake. The Department launched the rubber Avon boat and were able to assist two male swimmers safely onto shore.

In the early morning hours of August 29, 2024, the department received a 911 transfer from Police of a possible fire at 15 Pinehill Circle. Box 284 was transmitted. Arriving companies, under the command of Captain Paul Pronco, found a strong smoke condition in the home. Further investigation revealed a spatula and cooking sheet had ignited on the electric stove-top while occupants slept. The quick acting homeowner was able to smother the fire until the Department arrived to assist. The fire was fully extinguished and the home ventilated of any smoke condition.

Wakefield Fire Department members continued monthly Emergency Medical Technician training, through the Prodigy system, as part of their annual continuing education requirements. The Department continued ongoing in-service safety inspections and the pre-planning program of various businesses within the Town during the month of July. The Department was able to conduct training in an acquired structure to be razed at 314-330 Salem Street. All Groups trained on search & rescue, hose-line advancement, roof ventilation, pump operations, aerial & ground ladder deployment and forcible entry.

The department also trained on new equipment recently acquired from Emergency Management Director Thomas Walsh. Three electric vehicle blankets were placed on front line apparatus to assist in the control and extinguishment of electric vehicle fires. A serious hazard has evolved with the increase in the volume of electric vehicles, charging stations, and lithium ion battery powered equipment within Town over the last several years.

Incident Response Report

Fire Prevention Report