For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016

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

Georgetown Fire Department Responds to Five Fires in 24 Hours

GEORGETOWN – Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. reports that the Georgetown Fire Department responded to five fires in 24 hours, including three structure fires, a gas grill fire and mutual aid to the town of Newbury.

“Last week, particularly last weekend, was extremely busy for the Georgetown Fire Department, as we responded to multiple calls for service in town while assisting our neighboring fire department at the same time,” Chief Mitchell said. “I commend our Georgetown firefighters for their continued dedication and hard work during critical incidents.”

On Aug. 26, at approximately 10:14 p.m., Georgetown firefighters responded to 18 Reynard Lane for a report of smoke in the house. First arriving units reported smoke and fire showing from the side of the home. A quick response from Engine 1 allowed for a fast knockdown of the visible fire. Crews from Engine 5, Ladder 1 and Engine 4, checked the interior of the house to ensure the fire did not extend through the walls and the blaze was declared under control at 10:32 p.m. Mutual aid companies from Groveland, Byfield and Rowley provided station coverage. An investigation determined the cause of the fire was an electrical issue.

The next day, on Aug. 27, at approximately 10:16 a.m., firefighters were called out to 22 Linden Circle for a reported tractor fire in a shed. Upon exiting the Fire Department driveway onto Central Street, Car 1 and Engine 1 observed heavy smoke rising in the air from Linden Circle. Engine 1 arrived on scene, followed by Engine 5 and Ladder 1. The fully involved shed fire had extended into the surrounding grass and brush, but was quickly extinguished. The Groveland Fire Department covered the Georgetown station during the incident. Following an investigation, officials determined that a riding lawn mower was the cause of the fire.

As units were clearing the Linden Circle fire, Groveland Engine 2, which was still covering the Georgetown station, was dispatched for a two-car motor vehicle crash in the center of town. Georgetown Engine 1 responded to assist Groveland, along with Georgetown Ambulance 11 and 12. While on scene of the crash, Georgetown Fire received another call for service, this time for a reported structure fire at 41 Jewett St.

Engine 1, and Groveland Engine 2 cleared the crash in Georgetown center and then responded to Jewett Street, along with Car 1, Engine 5 and Atlantic Ambulance paramedics. Upon arrival, Engine 1 noticed smoke showing at the residence. Groveland Engine 2 also arrived on scene to assist. Firefighters investigated the scene and determined the fire had been extinguished, and was caused by an overloaded dryer and lint conditions. Crews then began to remove the smoke from the residence. One firefighter was treated on scene for heat related issues. The Georgetown Fire Department would like to remind residents to regularly clean lint from dryers to prevent overheating. All companies cleared the scene at 12:45 p.m.

Georgetown firefighters were then called into service again at 1:12 p.m. to respond to Newbury for ladder truck coverage at Newbury’s fire station, as the Newbury crews, along with numerous surrounding departments, responded to a five-alarm fire on Plum Island. Ladder 1 returned from Newbury at 8:30 p.m.

Firefighters also responded to a gas grill fire on Saturday, which ignited on a deck attached to a home on Searle Street at approximately 6:10 p.m. Fortunately, the blaze self-extinguished prior to firefighters’ arrival. The Georgetown Fire Department highly recommends that all grills be kept off decks and away from combustible materials.

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