Georgetown Fire Department Extinguishes Two-Alarm House Fire

August 27, 2017 by Chelsea Belliveau

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Fire Department Extinguishes Two-Alarm House Fire

The Georgetown Fire Department extinguished a two-alarm house fire on Juniper Lane yesterday. (Courtesy Photo)

GEORGETOWN – Chief Fred Mitchell reports that the Georgetown Fire Department extinguished a two-alarm house fire yesterday.

On Saturday, Aug. 26, at approximately 12:50 p.m., the Georgetown Fire Department responded to a residence on Juniper Lane for a report of a structure fire.

Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy flames showing from the back of the home. Firefighters made an aggressive attack from the exterior and were able to get the fire under control within approximately 30 minutes.

Firefighters from Groveland, Topsfield, West Newbury, Ipswich and Haverhill, as well as Rehab Five, responded to the scene for assistance. Crews from Boxford, Newburyport and Ipswich provided station coverage during the incident.

A family pet died in the fire. The pet, a dog, was located by firefighters but efforts to resuscitate the animal were unsuccessful. No other residents were home at the time of the fire.

The home has been deemed a total loss. The cause and origin of the fire remain under active investigation by the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office.

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Georgetown Fire Department to Host Open House

August 22, 2017 by Jordan Mayblum

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Fire Department to Host Open House

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. is pleased to announce that the Georgetown Fire Department is hosting its annual open house next month.

WHEN

Saturday, Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE

Georgetown Fire Department, 47 Central St.

WHAT

Residents are invited to participate in the following activities and demonstrations at the Open House:

Fire safety house tours
Fire truck tours
Interactive fire extinguisher simulation
Firefighters in gear demonstration, including a walkthrough of the rapid removal of firefighters’ gear during an emergency
Learn firefighting skills with authentic training equipment — make your way through the entanglement prop, and show your strength with the forcible entry prop.

Firefighters will also be conducting the Firefighter Challenge for children all day. The challenge includes working the Keiser FORCE machine, an obstacle course, a tunnel crawl, rescuing a mannequin and operating a hose.

Loot bags and helmets are available for everyone while supplies last.

“This is a great opportunity for the Georgetown community to have a first-hand look at what we do as a department,” Chief Mitchell said. “It also gives us a chance to meet residents in a fun setting, and we hope that as many people as possible can stop by.”

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Two Georgetown Firefighters Complete HazMat Training

August 22, 2017 by Jordan Mayblum

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Two Georgetown Firefighters Complete HazMat Training

Georgetown Firefighters Sean Manion and Tom Mulligan participated in the IAFF Hazardous Materials training exercises. (Courtesy Photo)

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department announce that two firefighters recently attended the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Hazardous Materials Operations training.

The IAFF HazMat training was held on Aug. 12-13 and hosted by the Topsfield Fire and Rescue Department, teaching firefighters how to effectively respond to a broad scope of hazardous materials that they could come into contact with in the line of duty.

Firefighters Sean Manion and Tom Mulligan represented the Georgetown Fire Department at the program.

“I commend our firefighters for participating in the Hazmat training,” Chief Mitchell said. “These programs are critical for protecting the health and safety of all of our residents, and it’s important that our firefighters possess a diverse set of skills and knowledge in order to be prepared to handle any situation.”

IAFF hosts a wide spectrum of training programs, including dealing with infectious diseases, handling chemicals and conducting rescues in confined spaces. Other courses tackle terrorism-related emergencies and responding to drug-related calls.

The program included a day of classroom instruction followed by a second day of hands-on training with a variety of response scenarios.

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Georgetown Fire Department Responds to Crash Involving Roll-Off Truck

August 17, 2017 by Jordan Mayblum

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Fire Department Responds to Crash Involving Roll-Off Truck

The driver of the Mercedes sedan was transported to an area hospital following the crash. (Courtesy Photo)

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. reports that the Georgetown Fire Department responded after a sedan rear-ended a truck on East Main Street this morning.

At 8:45 a.m., Georgetown firefighters were dispatched to the area of East Main Street and Carlton Drive for a report of a crash. Upon arrival, firefighters found that a Mercedes Benz sedan had rear ended a large flatbed roll-off truck.

The driver of the Mercedes was transported to an area hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.

“This man was extremely fortunate not to have suffered more serious injuries,” Chief Mitchell said. “The outcome could have been dramatically different with even the slightest difference in the how he collided with the truck.”

East Main Street was temporarily reduced to one lane as crews responded to the crash, which remains under investigation.

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Georgetown Fire Department To Offer First Aid, CPR Classes

July 19, 2017 by Jordan Mayblum

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Fire Department To Offer First Aid, CPR Classes

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell Jr. is pleased to announce that the Georgetown Fire Department will offer a CPR and First Aid class to interested residents.

The classes will be held Thursday, July 20, at the Georgetown Public Library.

The CPR class will include lessons for healthcare providers, as well as first-response Heart Saver training). The CPR class will be held at 4 p.m., with the First Aid class at 7 p.m.

CPR certification is valid for two years.

Each class costs $25, or the two can be combined for $45. The healthcare provider course is $45.

Registration is not required, but students are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes early to fill out required paperwork.

Georgetown Fire Department Responds To Machine Fire

July 14, 2017 by Jordan Mayblum

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Friday, July 14, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Fire Department Responds To Machine Fire

The Georgetown Fire Department responded to a fire at the Metaltronics warehouse. (Courtesy Photo)

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. reports that the Georgetown Fire Department responded Thursday morning to a machine fire.

At 10:23 a.m., Thursday, July 13, Georgetown firefighters were dispatched to the Metaltronics manufacturing and warehouse building on East Main Street for a report of a machine fire. Upon their arrival, firefighters learned that a Metaltronics employee had extinguished the fire by the time they arrived on scene, but smoke remained inside the building. There were no injuries.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was likely started by a spark from a processing machine that was drawn up into an exhaust pipe, causing a flash fire.

The Rowley and Newbury Fire Departments provided mutual aid at the scene, while a Groveland Fire Department engine provided station coverage.

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Georgetown Fire Department Reminds Residents to Check Smoke and CO Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

March 8, 2017 by Jessica Sacco

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Fire Department Reminds Residents to Check Smoke and CO Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

GEORGETOWN – Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department are reminding residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when turning clocks one hour ahead during daylight saving time this weekend.

Daylight saving begins Sunday, March 12 at 2 a.m.

“It’s extremely important that all residents have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous given that it’s odorless, colorless and tasteless,” Chief Mitchell said. “If you don’t have a working smoke or carbon monoxide alarm, please call the Georgetown Fire Department. We would hate to see a life lost due to a lack of or non-working detectors.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 46 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. The Georgetown Fire Department asks that all business owners not only change the batteries in their clocks, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, but also replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

In order to keep your home safe and prevent fires, Chief Mitchell recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by NFPA:

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace alarms immediately if they don’t respond properly when tested.
Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when you change your clocks.
Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay in that spot until emergency personnel arrive.

For more information on smoke detector and CO alarm safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the Georgetown Fire Department at 978-352-5757.

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Georgetown Firefighters Graduate from State Firefighting Academy

March 7, 2017 by Jessica Sacco

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Firefighters Graduate from State Firefighting Academy

Left to right: Firefighter Daniel Higgins, Chief Fred Mitchell and and Firefighter Daniel Manning. (Courtesy Photo Georgetown Fire Department)

Left to right: Deputy Chief Rusty Ricker, Firefighter Daniel Higgins, Chief Fred Mitchell, Firefighter Daniel Manning and his father, Firefighter Jeff Manning. (Courtesy Photo Georgetown Fire Department)

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell is pleased to announce that two firefighters from the Georgetown Fire Department graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy yesterday.

Firefighters Daniel Higgins and Daniel Manning completed the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Class 63. The ceremony, which was held at Pentucket Regional Middle School in Groveland on Monday, March 6 at 7 p.m., recognized 30 men and eight women.

Firefighter Manning, 21, joined the department in August 2014. He previously served as the Vice President of the Georgetown Explorer Post 81. As part of his training, Firefighter Manning received a certificate of completion from Federal Emergency Management Agency Incident Command System 100, 200 and 700. He currently works for Shea Concrete.

Firefighter Higgins, 26, joined the department in September 2015. He is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician and has a certificate of completion from FEMA ISC 100, 200 and 700. Firefighter Higgins is part-owner of All Pro Window Cleaning Service.

“I would like to congratulate Firefighter Higgins and Firefighter Manning on completing such a time consuming and rigorous training program,” Chief Mitchell said. “It’s no easy feat to graduate from the fire academy, and I know they will be an essential asset to the department and to the Georgetown community.”

Firefighters learned the basic skills they need to respond to fires, including how to contain and control them, public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, confined space rescue techniques and rappelling.

To graduate, firefighters were required to complete 240 hours of training on nights and weekends, while demonstrating proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation and fire attack (ranging from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multi-room structural fires).

The remaining graduates represent the 14 fire departments of Boxford, Groveland, Ipswich, Lynnfield, Manchester, Merrimac, Middleton, Nahant, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Tyngsborough, Wenham and West Newbury.

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Georgetown Fire Department Newsletter January 2017

February 13, 2017 by Jessica Sacco

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Monday, Feb. 13, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Fire Department Newsletter January 2017

GEORGETOWN – Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. is pleased to share what the Georgetown Fire Department was up to in January.

Throughout the month, the Georgetown Fire Department responded to 148 incidents, including:

Fire: 2
Gas leaks: 2
Carbon monoxide incident: 1
Motor vehicle crashes with injuries: 2
Mutual aid with surrounding towns: 6 (Four times to Groveland and twice to Rowley)

The Georgetown Fire Department completed its monthly training and conducted commercial code inspections and operational checks on small engine equipment.

Additionally, firefighters stopped by Penn Brook School to complete fire safety education, and visited the Baldpate Hospital to perform fire drills.

Chief Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department thank the community for their continued support and encourage residents to check the department website for the latest news.

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