May 2022

The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 360 emergency incidents during the month of May including 37 box alarms and 323 still alarms. The department responded to one request for mutual aid during May to Saugus. The department received mutual aid once during the month of May from Lynnfield. A crew from Engine 2 led by Lieutenant John Mercurio assisted the Saugus Fire Department at the scene of a structure fire at 40 Collins Avenue during the evening of May 17.

All groups conducted boat training evolutions at Lake Quannapowitt. All groups continued to conduct training to maintain their Emergency Medical Technician certificates. Department members continued their annual in-service business inspections of commercial properties. The department completed its annual testing of all its fire hose during the month of May. Fire drills in several of the town’s schools were completed during the month of May. All groups participated in an instructor-led training program involving Engine & Truck Company Emergency Vehicle Operations conducted by On-Scene Training Associates LLC during the week of May 9. The training centers around the proper operation of emergency apparatus as well as the proper placement and operation of fire apparatus during residential and commercial fire incidents. The department participated in the annual meeting of the Mystic Regional Emergency Planning Committee held at the Four Points Sheraton in Wakefield on May 24. The committee is made up of 26 area communities and their local emergency planning communities that meet regularly to discuss items of mutual interest in the emergency management field. The department, with the assistance of the Melrose Fire Department, hung an American flag between two ladder trucks in front of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church on May 22 to help commemorate the Boston Wounded Warrior bike ride. Department members also participated in a Memorial Day Services held by the Wakefield Memorial High School on May 27 as well as the Town’s Memorial Day service held on May 30.

Wakefield Recruit Firefighter John Carano was sworn in during a brief ceremony at Town Hall presided over by Town Clerk Betsy Sheeran on the morning of May 20. Firefighter Carano began his 10-week training program with the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Recruit Training Class 303 on May 23 with an anticipated graduation date of August 5.

The Fire Prevention Bureau, under Captain David Shinney, continues to monitor the many ongoing construction projects around Wakefield, including those at 62 Foundry Street, Hopkins Street, 581 Salem Street and 259 Water Street. Construction at the Public Safety Building is ongoing and proceeding as scheduled.

Incident Response Report

Fire Prevention Report