October 2016

The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 288 emergency incidents during the month of October including 38 box alarms and 250 still alarms.

The department responded to three requests for mutual aid during October, once each to Lynnfield, Melrose and Saugus. It received mutual aid three times during the month of October from Melrose, Reading and Stoneham. Lieutenant David Shinney and a crew from Engine 2 assisted the Saugus Fire Department at the scene of a structure fire at 8 Charles Street in that community during the afternoon of October 8.

Wakefield firefighters under the command of Captain Paul Pronco responded to a structure fire at 37 Butternut Road during the early morning of October 10. Firefighters arrived to find an exterior light fixture in the rear of the home has shorted out igniting the exterior wall surrounding it. The fire extended into an adjoining basement ceiling area before being extinguished. The cause of the fire was determined to be a water leak from a recent rain storm that had caused a short circuit within the light. The fire was confined to the immediate area and no injuries were reported. The family of four was displaced for a short period due to a significant smoke condition and resulting damage in the residence.

The department continued to conduct fire drills in all public and private schools during the month of October. Evacuation drills were conducted at the Walton, Doyle, St. Joseph, Greenwood, Dolbeare, Woodville and Wakefield memorial High Schools during the month of October. The Dolbeare School additionally conducted its first re-unification drill on October 18. St. Joseph’s also combined its evacuation drill with a re-unification component on October 6. All three of the department’s pumpers successfully passed their annual in-service pumping tests. The department took delivery of a new protective gear washer/extractor and dryer at Headquarters during the month of October. The equipment was purchased through a Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighter’s (AFG) grant for a total cost of approximately $18,000. Approximately 90% of the total cost of this equipment was funded by this grant program.

Department members continue to participate in emergency medical training as part of their ongoing process to maintain their certifications as Emergency Medical Technicians. All duty groups reviewed standard operating guidelines on chimney fires, carbon monoxide and natural gas emergencies. A large group of preschoolers from the Canterbury Children’s Center visited Wakefield Fire Headquarters at the Public Safety Building during the mornings of October 11 and 12.

Incident Response Report

Fire Prevention Report