September 2024

The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 401 emergency incidents during the month of September, 2024 including 36 box alarms and 365 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 five requests for mutual aid during September, twice to Melrose, and three times to Lynnfield. On September 11th Wakefield Engine 1, led by Lieutenant J.T. Mercurio, responded to the City of Woburn on a 2nd alarm fire located at 9 Franklin Street. The Department received mutual aid from twelve communities during the month of September.

On September 10th , 2024 the Lynnfield Department struck a 2nd alarm at a large strip mall that was well involved in fire on arrival of first due companies. Wakefield Engine 2, led by Lieutenant Erik Cole, responded direct to the fire to assist at approximately 7:54 p.m. Provisional Chief Thomas Purcell responded to the fire as the 3rd alarm was struck to assist as part of the Incident Command Staff. North Reading, Middleton, Reading, Saugus, Peabody, Lynn, Chelsea, Melrose, Revere, Salem, Danvers, Woburn, Swampscott, Wakefield, Beverly, Boxford and Stoneham Fire Departments all assisted Lynnfield Fire at the blaze which eventually went to six alarms. The fire destroyed the Olde Towne Market, Dunkin’ Donuts, Fitness Together, Wal’s Cleaners, Cervizzi’s Martial Arts Academy, and damaged Bank of America. The fire was declared under control at approximately 1:00 am. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

On September 15th , 2024 at 8:03 p.m. Box 35 was struck for a report of a fire in the alley of 29-35 Albion. Captain Paul Pronco arrived to find heavy fire extending up the exterior of a mixed-use occupancy with an unoccupied commercial space on the first floor and apartments above. The actual address of the fire building was 17 Albion Street. Companies made a quick attack on the exterior flames, knocking them down before entering the building to stop the fire from extending inside. A second-alarm was struck for manpower.

A female tenant, trapped on a 2nd floor fire escape in the building directly next door, was removed over a ground ladder by the department with assistance from quick acting Wakefield Police Officers. Firefighters made an excellent “stop” in containing the fire to the exterior of the building, with minor extension into the soffit and interior. If the fire had extended into the attic space it would have potentially spread to the adjacent exposure buildings due to the close proximity. Companies had to conduct extensive overhaul and the building sustained heat and extensive smoke damage.

Departments from Lynnfield, Melrose, Stoneham, Reading and North Reading provided mutual aid at the scene, and firefighters from Saugus and Woburn covered Wakefield stations. The fire was investigated by the Wakefield Fire Department, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Probable cause was careless disposal of smoking materials.

On the afternoon of September 23, 2024, the Department received a 911 transfer from Police at approximately 4:00 p.m. A resident of a 4-family dwelling located at 246 Salem Street reported there was a fire in his dryer. On arrival the resident had managed to control the flames with an extinguisher. The Department removed the appliance from the basement to the exterior and ventilated the building. The fire was caused by excessive lint build up within the dryer.

On September 30th, 2024 the Department received an unusual call from a contractor working at 457 Lowell Street. Upon demolition of a ceiling the contractor discovered a hand grenade. The Department responded along with the Massachusetts State Police Fire & Explosive Investigation Unit. The State Police determined the grenade was a training device and not a live grenade. Companies returned without further incident.

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 September.

Each of the four shifts on the department conducted training on the following in the month of September: “Back to Basics” Pump Operator training, auto extrication, and mental health awareness training. The department also put four new Hydrogen Cyanide meters into service and received training on the proper use of the devices.

In recognition of national Fire Prevention Week (October 6 – 12), Wakefield’s Fire Department will welcome the community to its Headquarters for an Open House event on Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by for activities, food, and fire-safety information. You can also explore fire trucks and emergency vehicles, view some antique fire equipment, and chat with members of our firefighting team.

This year’s National Fire Prevention campaign focuses on the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. Everyone should remember to install, test, and replace their alarms. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home. Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested.

Incident Response Report

Fire Prevention Report