November 2025

The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 343 total emergency incidents during the month of November 2025, including 36 Box alarms and 307 still alarms. The Department responded mutual aid one time in November to the Town of Reading. Stoneham and Lynnfield provided mutual aid coverage to Wakefield on multiple occasions.

On November 3, 2025 Wakefield Engine 1, with a crew of Lieutenant Erik Cole, Firefighter(s) Mike Marroquin and Jake Dennen responded mutual aid to 9 Walkers Brook Drive, the Longhorn restaurant, in Reading for the working fire. Companies on scene had a massive electrical issue that had shorted out the electrical system in the entire building. Engine 1 remained on scene for a few hours assisting Reading crews.

Temporary / Acting Fire Chief Thomas M. Purcell remains in charge of the Department as long time Fire Chief Michael Sullivan officially retired on November 12, 2025. A retirement ceremony was held at the Americal Civic Center on November 12, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in recognition of Sullivan’s 41 years of service to the Town. Fire Chief (retired) David L. Parr, Sullivan’s immediate predecessor, served as master of ceremonies as he recounted the Sullivan family’s century of service to the town. New Town Administrator Dee Casey spoke briefly, as did several elected State officials. Current Fire Chief Purcell and Local 1478 Union President Ken Lyons each presented Sullivan with a plaque in recognition of his service. The Department thanks Chief Sullivan for his years of dedicated service and wishes him a happy and healthy retirement.

On November 4 the department received a call from a panicked resident at 5 Columbia Road, Unit #6, reporting smoke in the apartment with handicapped occupants. Box 3622 was transmitted. Companies under the command of Captain Randy Hudson responded reporting a light smoke condition in apartment #6. The occupancy was a large 6 family multi-unit. A line was stretched to the apartment, the truck company placed the aerial ladder to the roof, and Engine 2 made the closest hydrant. Occupants were evacuated from the structure, with some of the handicapped individuals sheltered in place. After further investigation it was found that multiple mattresses were smoldering and had ignited due to careless disposal of smoking materials. Mattresses and charred box spring were removed from the occupancy and washed down. The building sustained substantial smoke damage. Car 1, Car 2, and the Fire Investigation Unit were on scene. Stoneham fire covered fire headquarters during the incident.

On November the 6th, Engine 1 responded and extinguished a trash barrel on fire within the parking garage across from Grayson Lofts on Foundry Street. Later on, the day of November 6 at approximately 1538 hours, the Wakefield Police transferred a 911 call to fire alarm dispatch reporting an oven fire in a 4 family multi-unit occupancy at 46 Pleasant Street. Crews were able to quickly contain the fire to the broiler portion of the oven where a wooden cutting board had been left exposed and caught fire. The oven was removed to the exterior while the WMGLD capped off the gas line. The department utilized smoke ejectors to ventilate the building and the Fire Investigation Unit was called to the scene.

On November 12 at 0900 hours Ladder 1 responded to a reported pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle at Main and Water Street. A 22-year-old female was assessed and transported to the hospital by Cataldo ambulance.

On November 13, at 1737, hours Ladder 1 responded to Main at Bennett Street for a motor vehicle accident. Companies on scene worked a two-car accident with one car into a utility pole. Crews assessed multiple patients and both vehicles were towed from the scene.

On November 14 at 2245 hours the Police department reported to fire-alarm dispatch they were receiving multiple calls for a single vehicle rollover in the area of 109 Farm Street. Car 3, Engine 1 and Ladder 1 responded. On arrival it was found that one vehicle had struck a parked vehicle and rolled over onto its roof. Both occupants were able to self-extricate form the vehicle and were evaluated by Cataldo ambulance. The department secured the scene until both vehicles were towed.

The evening of November 22, 2025, at approximately 1745 hours, Engine 1 was dispatched to 100 Redfield road by an MWRA representative for a leaking oxygen tank at the pumping station. The pumping station is currently undergoing a full-scale renovation. Investigation revealed a large liquid oxygen tank venting with several oxy/acetylene tanks, and several large diesel storage tanks within close proximity. The box was transmitted and the full assignment was filled out. On arrival Captain Hudson, along with Engine 1 Lieutenant Dan Hancock, declared a Tier 1 hazmat incident. (2) water supplies from nearby hydrants were established with blitz guns set up flanking the tanks from each side. Several homes in the area were evacuated as a precaution. Chief Purcell responded to the scene. Members of the Massachusetts State Hazardous Materials team arrived on scene and a plan was established to continue to vent/drain the liquid oxygen (LOX) tank down. Initially the operator’s valve to the LOX tank was frozen but was eventually able to be freed open allowing the tanks to fully vent. Once emptied all other tanks were fully secured, companies made-up and homeowners were returned to their respective homes without further incident. Lynnfield and Stoneham provided mutual aid to the Town while companies were occupied for over two hours.

At 12:35 p.m. on November 28, 2025 Group 3, under the command of Captain Michael Long, were called to 400 Quannapowitt Parkway for the elevator entrapment. 4 occupants were subsequently freed form the stalled elevator after a short period. The elevator was locked out/tagged out and taken out of service.

During the month of November all four working groups continued to train on yearly Emergency Medical Technician requirements. Each group also went through health and wellness training provided by Merrimack Valley Health and Wellness for First Responders. The Department participated in some live-time drill on several vacant homes, working on roof ventilation, stretching of handlines, search and rescue, and forcible entry. The homes were donated by a local contractor prior to demolition in the Crescent Hill area.

Fire department headquarters was also recently upgraded thanks to the building department. New carpet was installed in all dorm rooms, the day room, and the fire administrative offices. All rooms were also painted along with the common stairwells and hallways. The kitchen was recently updated with new cabinets and counter tops. The building was established in 2004 just over twenty-one years ago.

Incident Response Report

Fire Prevention Report