October 2025

The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 379 emergency incidents during the month of October 2025, including 33 Box alarms and 346 still alarms. The Department responded to six requests for mutual aid during October to the City of Malden and the Towns of North Reading, Reading, Lynnfield, Saugus, and Stoneham.

Chief Sullivan has been on leave since September 9, 2025 and remains on extended leave of absence. Deputy Fire Chief Thomas M. Purcell was promoted to Temporary Fire Chief and is in charge of all Department operations as of October 16, 2025. John Walsh was promoted Temporary Deputy Fire Chief, Mike Long to Temporary Fire Captain, and Nolan Curran to Temporary Fire Lieutenant.

On October 3rd, 2025 Wakefield Engine 2 covered Malden headquarters during their third alarm fire and responded to several still alarms while in the city. The same day Wakefield Engine 1 covered in Lynnfield for a short period. On the morning of October 10 Wakefield Engine 2, with a crew led by Lieutenant Joe Albert, responded to 5 Cherry Street in Stoneham to assist at a working house fire. Later in the same day of October 10 Wakefield Engine 1 responded mutual aid to the Town of Reading for coverage at their Headquarters station during a working fire at 43 Fairchild Drive. On October 24, at 0945 hours, Wakefield Engine 2 covered in the Town of Saugus at the Central Square Station as Saugus was tied up at several extended incidents. At 1930 hours on October 29, Wakefield Engine 1, with a crew of Lieutenant Dan Hancock, Mike Rowe, and Ben Tomsyck responded mutual aid to the Town of North Reading on a second alarm, covering headquarters and responding to several still alarms. The fire, located at 225 Haverhill Street, went to a third alarm with Wakefield responding to the fire assisting in fire suppression efforts for several hours until the fire was declared under control.

On October 3, at 1911 hours, a box was struck when a caller reported smoke from a vehicle in the area of 31 New Salem Street. On arrival in Car 3, Captain Brian Purcell had fire emanating from under the hood of a two-door Mercedes in the yard of John’s Foreign Auto. C-5 quickly knocked down the fire with an extinguisher as companies forced the hood with the hydraulic spreaders and extinguished the remaining fire with an attack line off of Engine 1, containing the fire to the vehicle as it was up against the building.

On October 8 Engine 1, with Lieutenant Arthur Fennelly’s crew, extinguished a small area of brush on Audubon Road.

On October 12, 2025, at approximately 1607 hours, fire alarm dispatch received a 911 call for smoke coming from the roof of the property located at 17 Outlook Road. Box 265 was struck. On arrival Captain Paul Pronco, in Car 3, had smoke showing from the eaves of the structure. Engine 1 quickly stretched a 1¾” attack line to the interior locating the fire inside the “Bravo” side wall above the fireplace. Wakefield Engine 2 established a water supply and assisted with interior operations opening up the wall(s). Ladder 1 crew utilized ground ladders to access the roof where they made a trench cut alongside the large chimney. A 1¾” line was deployed to the roof cut and companies where able to access the fire and extinguish from the top side. This was a very labor-intensive fire. Crews made a great stop as the fire was minutes from spreading into the cockloft and would have consumed the home. Acting Chief Purcell as well as Stoneham Fire were also on scene. Fire investigation concluded the fire was unintentional starting in the unlined brick masonry chimney, spreading to the interior wood framing of the wall located above the fireplace.

On October 13, Group 1 led by Captain Randy Hudson, received a residential fire alarm for 9 Franklin Street. Box 13 was transmitted. On arrival the occupant was frantic in the driveway leading firefighters to the 2nd floor unit which was charged with smoke. Companies discovered a stove fire and a blanket with debris on top of the stove on fire. Engine 1 crew extinguished the fire and removed the stove and contents to the exterior of the home. Thermal imaging cameras were utilized to check for fire extension – finding none – the home was ventilated of smoke. The tenant had placed a plastic kettle on the stove, which ignited, and then attempted to extinguish with a blanket, which also ignited.

On October 18 the department received multiple calls for overcrowding at a cheer-leading competition at the Galvin Middle School at 525 Main Street. On arrival over a thousand people were on hand at the event, which normally requires several fire details. The department had not been notified of the event. Shift Command, working with school officials on site, created safe traffic flow patterns within the school – opening up congested areas, and creating safe egress for occupants. The event continued on safely.

On October 25 Engine 2 responded to a call for a water leak at 1077 Main Street. Crews responded to the third floor for a broken faucet line that had flooded out units on all three levels of the occupancy. The water was shut off and the leak contained with management notifying damage restoration services. Several tenants were affected.

The month of October saw department members training on Standard Operating Guidelines for chimney fires, carbon monoxide emergencies, cold weather operations, oil burner/ heating appliance emergencies, as well as continued emergency medical training. The department took delivery of a 2025 Chevy Blazer to be used in Fire Prevention. Town Day, held at the common on Saturday September 27, was a great success. The department sponsored a booth with fire prevention materials. The Department had an Engine on site and the “touch a truck” was a big hit with the children. The departments new utility terrain vehicle was on hand for display.

The department held its annual Open House on Saturday October 4, 2025. In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week. The public explored emergency vehicles, antique fire equipment, children sprayed the fire hose, and the Metro Fire Safety trailer was also on hand. Everyone enjoyed refreshments and got to chat with members of our team. The department estimated over 750 people came through the station during the open house.

New Town Administrator Denise “Dee” Casey was sworn in on October 6, 2025 Monday. The department looks forward to working closely with Dee in her new role.

Incident Response Report

Fire Prevention Report