Due to today’s high winds (Saturday March 23), burning will not be allowed.
Archives for March 2019
Georgetown Fire Responds to Serious Crash Between Box Truck and Car
GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell reports that the Georgetown Fire Department responded to significant crash between a box truck and a car Friday morning.
At 10:01 a.m., the Georgetown Fire Department responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash just off of Route 133 (East Main Street) on the northbound on-ramp to I-95. The drivers of the car and box truck were able to remove themselves from their vehicles without assistance from first responders, but the passenger of the car had to be extricated by Georgetown firefighters using hydraulic rescue tools.
The driver of the box truck was taken to Tufts Medical Center by a medical helicopter, and the passenger and driver of the car were both taken to Anna Jacques Hospital by ambulance.
Both motor vehicles sustained significant damage from the crash and had to be towed away from the scene.
Route 133 was closed in the area of the crash Friday morning as rescuers assisted those involved. The road was re-oped at approximately 12 p.m.
The Georgetown Fire Department received mutual aid assistance from the Newbury Fire Department.
The crash is currently under investigation by the Georgetown Police Department with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.
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Georgetown Fire Department Congratulates Graduates From Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training
GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell is pleased to announce that Firefighters Michael McManus and Tricia Morrison graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy this February.
Firefighters McManus and Morrison were among 24 graduates from the MFA’s Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training Class 74 who were recognized on Thursday, Feb. 28, at a ceremony held at Masconomet Regional Middle School in Boxford.
During the training, 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, firefighter self-rescue and vehicle extrication.
To graduate, firefighters were required to complete 240 hours of training, all on nights and weekends, while demonstrating proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation and fire attack in situations ranging from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multi-room structural fires.
Both Firefighters McManus and Morrison are Georgetown residents and are EMT certified. Firefighter McManus joined the Georgetown Fire department in May 2016, and Firefighter Morrison joined the department in August 2018.
At the ceremony, Firefighter Morrison was awarded the Martin H. McNamara award, which is given to one student in each class to recognize his or her outstanding performance, and is based on practical skill applications and academic exams for the program.
“Completing this program is a significant accomplishment, and I’m proud of Firefighters McManus and Morrison for representing our department so well,” Chief Mitchell said. “Firefighter Morrison excelled academically and in performing practical skills, and to be recognized with the Martin H. McNamara award reflects her tenacity and dedication to serving the people of Georgetown.”
The other 23 graduates represent the fire departments of Boxford, Essex, Groveland, Ipswich, Lynnfield, Rockport, Sherborn, Tyngsborough, Wenham, West Newbury and Weston.
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Georgetown Fire Department Reminds Residents to Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell wishes to remind residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 50 percent and, on average, three out of every five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
“We encourage residents to test their fire and carbon monoxide detectors about once a month,” Chief Mitchell said. “It’s an important routine to get into. Changing the batteries and replacing old devices is crucial to everyone’s safety, and if you have any questions about your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, please give the Georgetown Fire Department a call.”
The Georgetown Fire Department asks that all business owners not only change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but also replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses should have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.
In order to continue 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.
- Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household.
For more information on smoke detector and CO alarm safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the Georgetown Fire Department at 978-352-5757.