Georgetown Fire

Archives for December 2019

Georgetown Firefighter Glenn Silva Retires after 41 Year Career

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GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. would like to announce the retirement of Firefighter and EMT Glenn Silva after a 41 year career with the Georgetown Fire Department. 

A Georgetown resident, Firefighter Silva joined the department in 1978 and rose through the ranks, serving as a Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Chief throughout his career. He also served as the department’s Fire Chief for three years in the 1990s. 

Firefighter Silva’s last day with the Georgetown Fire Department is today, Tuesday, Dec. 31. 

“Firefighter Silva has been a tremendous asset to the Georgetown Fire Department for many years, and it has been a pleasure for us all to work alongside him,” Chief Mitchell said. “Georgetown has been very fortunate to have someone as dedicated to this community and the fire service as Firefighter Silva, and we wish him the very best in retirement.”

Firefighter Silva is trained in numerous areas of the fire service, including ice rescue and auto extrication, and assisted the department in implementing its Master Box Fire Alarm system for the town shortly after he joined the department. 

The Georgetown Fire Department held a surprise retirement party for Firefighter Silva at the Erie Fire Station on North Street on Saturday, Dec. 28.

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Georgetown Fire Department Offers Holiday Fire Safety Tips

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GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. and the Georgetown Fire Department wish to remind residents of important safety tips this holiday season. 

More than half of fires in December sparked by holiday decorations are caused by candles, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

“There are a lot of fire hazards present over the holidays, and it is important for everyone to pay attention as they set up their holiday trees and decorations, prepare meals, light candles and so on, to prevent fires,” Chief Mitchell said.

The Georgetown Fire Department wishes to share the following holiday safety tips from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

Christmas Tree Safety

  • It is recommended that residents seeking a natural tree purchase one that is fresh and cut it an inch or two from the bottom before putting it in water as soon as possible.
  • To test to see if a tree is too dry, bend a pine needle. If it breaks before bending in half, it is too dry. If pine needles fall off while you slowly pull your hand along the tree while holding it still, this is also a sign the tree may be too dry.
  • Water natural trees daily.
  • When the tree becomes too dry, dispose of it. Also dispose of trees soon after the holidays end.
  • Trees and decorations need to be displayed away from heat sources including heaters, fireplaces and candles.
  • Trees should be placed on stands with wide feet to prevent tipping, and wires can be used to tie a tree to keep it steady.
  • Residents should use electric holiday lights listed by an approved testing agency to decorate trees. People should also follow manufacturer instructions for tree lights. LED lights also use less electricity and are cooler in temperature. When using old lights, examine them for damage including frayed wires.
  • Do not allow tree light bulbs to directly touch the tree, curtains, wrapped gifts or anything flammable. Never place lit candles on or near a tree, and turn off tree lights when going to bed or leaving home.
  • For more information, visit www.mass.gov/news/state-fire-marshal-issues-holiday-decorating-safety-tips.

Outdoor Decoration Safety Tips

  • Only use lights rated for outdoor use when decorating outdoors.
  • LED lights are more energy efficient options and produce less heat.
  • Make sure to properly secure outdoor lights and decorations with insulated holders or hooks.
  • Keep water out by using electrical connection protectors.
  • Electric outdoor decorations should be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter. Portable units can be purchased for outdoor use, or they can be permanently installed by an electrician.
  • Do not overload circuits.
  • Do not put nails, staples or tacks through wiring insulation.
  • After the holidays, take down and bring in outdoor electrical lights.

Candle Safety

  • When burning a candle, make sure there is a 1 foot circle around it that is cleared of anything flammable.
  • Blow out candles before leaving a room or building. Do not leave candles burning unattended.
  • Use a saucer or candle holder that is fireproof.
  • Make sure candles are kept out of reach of children and pets.
  • Consider using a flameless candle.

Cooking Safety

  • In the event of a grease fire, smother flames with a lid and then turn off the heat. Baking soda will also work.
  • Do not move a burning pan, which can spread the fire.
  • Do not throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire, as water will spread the fire and the extinguisher could splash flaming grease.
  • Never leave food, grease or oils cooking on the stove top without supervision.
  • Do not wear loose or long sleeves when cooking, as it can catch fire.
  • Strop, drop and roll if your clothing catches fire, run burns under cool water and call 9-1-1 for help.
  • Keep children and pets three feet away from the stove.
  • Do not store or use flammable objects, such as pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags, near heating elements.
  • If a fire starts in an oven or microwave, close the door, turn the appliance off and call the fire department.
  • Do not put metal inside a microwave.
  • Unplug appliances such as toasters and coffee makers when you are not using them.
  • Do not store items in an oven.

Chief Mitchell also wishes to remind residents to test and maintain their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.

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Georgetown Fire Department Offers Home Heating Safety Tips

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GEORGETOWN — As the winter season begins to settle in, Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. and the Georgetown Fire Department wish to share home heating safety tips with residents.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, home heating is the second leading cause of home fires in Massachusetts.

“The cold weather is here, and we’re urging residents to properly use and maintain their heating systems to prevent fires,” Chief Mitchell said. “We also recommend that everyone takes the time to create, review and practice home escape plans with every person in your household to ensure everyone knows how to safely evacuate, should a fire take place.”

The Georgetown Fire Department wishes to share the following winter home heating safety tips from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

  • Install and test regularly smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
  • Do not use a stove, oven or grill for heat.
  • On an annual basis, furnaces and chimneys should checked by a professional.
  • Make sure to keep appliance vents and exhaust pipes clear of drifting snow and bushes.
  • Practice home fire drills and establish an escape plan with everyone in your household.
  • Practice fire safety and teach children to do the same.
  • If using a fireplace or a solid fuel stove:
    • Have the chimney professionally cleaned on an annual basis.
    • Check that your stove is approved by a national testing agency.
    • Obtain a building permit prior to installing a stove. 
    • Make sure anything capable of burning is three feet away from the stove.
    • Put any ashes in a metal container when disposing of them, and store them away from the house.
  • If you use a space heater:
    • Space heaters should not be used as a primary heating system.
    • Make sure anything capable of burning is kept at least three feet away from the space heater.
    • Never leave a space heater on before falling asleep or going out.
    • It is illegal to use portable kerosene heaters in Massachusetts for the home.
  • When using natural gas to cook and/or heat a home, make sure to maintain that system:
    • On an annual basis, have the furnace and hot water heater professionally checked.
    • Never use or store gasoline or painting equipment indoors where they could be ignited by the pilot light.
    • If you smell something similar to rotten eggs or believe there may be a gas leak, evacuate, do not smoke or turn off electrical switches and call 911. 
  • In order to maintain oil heating systems:
    • On an annual basis, have your boiler professionally cleaned and checked.
    • Do not allow the tank to get completely empty.
    • If the oil burner releases smoke or soot indoors, call for service.

For more fire safety tips and recommendations, visit www.mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe.

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Georgetown Firefighters to Host Annual Santa Tour this Weekend

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GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. is pleased to announce that Santa Claus will be visiting every neighborhood in town during the 24th Annual Santa Tour this weekend. 

WHEN:

Sunday, Dec. 8, beginning at 11 a.m. 

WHERE:

The tour will start at the Byfield Town boarder on North Street. To view the tour’s route, see the schedule below.

WHAT:

Georgetown Firefighters are partnering with Santa this weekend to visit the majority of streets in town, during which Claus will collect new, unwrapped toys for children ranging from infants to age 16 from Georgetown residents wishing to donate to those in need.

The Georgetown Fire Department held the first Santa Tour in 1996, and in 2000, the department began collecting toys for Toys for Tots during the tour, which has become a longstanding tradition.

“The Annual Santa Tour is a really special tradition that our department looks forward to each year,” Chief Mitchell said. “Bringing Santa on a tour around town is always a fun way to celebrate the holiday season with the community, as well as a great way to support Toys for Tots and spread joy to children and families in need.”

Anyone who misses the Santa Tour can drop off toys at the Georgetown Police or Fire Stations at 47 Central St. until the end of the day on Friday, Dec. 13.

The department’s goal this year is to collect approximately 3,000 toys for the Toys for Tots program.

Toys for Tots was founded by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1947 to donate toys to kids who are less fortunate during the holiday season.

Below is a schedule (subject to change/delay) for the 2019 Santa Tour:

Please keep in mind that these are approximate times. Please DO NOT call the police or fire departments to find out where Santa is. Listen for the tour, and meet the firefighters and Santa on the edge of the street with your new unwrapped toy donations.

  • 11-11:40 a.m. — North Street to Web Road, North Street to Brownfield Lane, North Street to Wells/Swanton/Derek Circle, North Street to Meadowview Road, Charles Street, Amburg Street, Meadowview Road, Stone Row Lane.
  • 11:40 a.m.-12:45 p.m. — North Street to Thurlow Street, Tiger Row to Thurlow Street, Jewett Street to the Church of Latter Day Saints, Fazio Farm Road, Harris Way, Jewett Street, Jackman Street to Ordway Street, Warren Street to Byfield Parish Church, Jackman Street to Ordway Street, Warren Street to Belleau Woods and Rainbow Ridge Way, Whiffletree Lane, Warren Street to Sage Road, Raymond Court, Pineneedle Lane, Raymond Road, Warren Street to Village Lane, Jewett Street, Forrest Street, Crescent Drive to Warren Street to Jewett Street to Family Housing.
  • 12:45-2:15 p.m. — Jewett Street to Tenney Street, Acorn Way, Hawk Way, Hickory Lane, Tenney Street to Long Hill Road, Birch Tree Drive, Long View Way, Long Hill Road, Norino Way, Access Road to East Main Street, True Lane, East Main Street to Tenney Street, Searle Street, Wilkins Way, Searle Street to Woodland Road, Ledge Drive, Abbey Road, Marlboro Road, White Pine Drive, Lisa Lane, Bussing Way, Vineyard Lane, Grapevine Lane, Searle Street, Fieldstone Lane, Marlboro Road, Tenney Street, Spaulding Road, Tenney Street, East Main Street.
  • 2:45-4 p.m. — East Main Street, Pillsbury Lane, Reynard Lane, Partridge Place, Pillsbury Lane, Ilene Circle, Bernay Way, Pillsbury Lane, East Main Street, Winter Street, Maple Street, Park Street, Pleasant Street, Lincoln Street, North Street, Summer Street, Juniper Lane, Molloy Road, Linden Circle, Larch Road, Parsonage Street to North Street, Pond Street, Mill Street, Emily Lane, Lake Avenue, Prescott Lane, Carriage Lane, Pond Street to Groveland.
  • 4-4:45 p.m. — Thurlow Street, Kenneth Road, North Street, Sawmill Way, Rosemary Lane, Waldingfield Road, North Street to Brookmeadow, Oregon Street, North Street to Pond Street, Prospect Street.
  • 4:45-5:45 p.m. —West Main Street to King Street, Old Jacobs Road, West Main Street to Lakeridge Drive, Trestle Way, Laurel Lane, West Main Street to Spofford Avenue, Chaplin Road, Dodge Avenue, Weston Avenue, West Main Street to Middle Street, Clark Street, School Street, West Main Street to Moulton Street, Railroad Avenue, Monroe Street, Madison Avenue, Nelson Avenue, Andover Street.
  • 6:15-7 p.m. — Andover Street, Cedar Lane, Andover Street to Baldpate Road, Hillside Drive, Little’s Hill Lane, Londonderry Lane, Canterbury Drive, Andover Street to Lakeshore Drive, Taylor Street, Bailey Lane, Mohawk Circle, Lower Bailey Lane, Taylor Street to Beverly Drive, Lakeshore Drive to Bradford Loop, Hamilton Terrace, Andover Street.
  • 7-7:45 p.m. Andover Street to Upper Bailey Lane, Marion’s Way, Andover Street to Davis Lane, Andover Street to Pine Plain Road, West Street, Andover Street to Spofford Street, Hardy Terrace, Andover Street.
  • 7:45-8:45 p.m. Andover Street to Baldpate Road, Chaplin Hills Road, Blueberry Lane, Baldpate Road to Nelson Street, Central Street, Lantern Lane, Corinthian Way, Central Street to King George Drive, Central Street to Pingree Farm Road, East Street, Central Street to Library Street, East Main Street to Elm Street, Central Street.

Note: The Santa Tour will not be visiting the following streets: Bayberry Lane, Boardman Street, Brook Street, Deer Run Lane, Dummer Avenue, Flint Road, Hart Circle, High Street, Lynn Circle, Maureen Lane, Molloy Road Extension, Noyes Road, Oak Terrace, Old Jacobs Road beyond Gloria Road, Parish Road, Penn Brook Avenue, Phillips Avenue, Pillsbury Street, Pine Grove Avenue, Richardson Lane, Rock Pond Avenue, Robert Drive. 

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Georgetown Fire Department Reminds Residents to Clear Fire Hydrants of Snow

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GEORGETOWN —Following the season’s first significant snowfall, Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department are reminding residents to clear snow away from hydrants to ensure firefighters can access them easily in the event of a fire.

“It is imperative that hydrants are cleared of snow, to make sure firefighters aren’t encumbered by digging a hydrant out in the event of a fire,” Chief Mitchell said. “Every second is critical in an emergency situation like a fire, and we want to ensure no time is lost should such a situation arise.”

The Georgetown Fire Department is asking residents to help clear snow from within 3 feet of hydrants to ensure firefighters can efficiently and effectively respond to emergencies.

Firefighters lose valuable time if they are forced to locate and dig out a fire hydrant buried in the snow when they arrive at the scene of a fire. Having a visible and accessible fire hydrant could be the difference in saving a home or a life in the event of a fire.

Chief Mitchell also offers the following safety tips following a winter storm from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

  • Check in on family, friends and neighbors living alone, especially the elderly, those with medical conditions and anyone who might need help.
  • When shoveling, take frequent breaks to prevent overexertion.
  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by clearing exhaust vents from direct vent gas furnace systems.
  • Test and maintain carbon monoxide detectors.
  • To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, also clear snow from the areas around vehicle exhaust pipes before starting the vehicle.
  • Avoid roof collapses by checking your roof and clearing snow that may have accumulated.
  • While driving, watch out for children who may be playing in or near the street. Parents are encouraged to remind children to avoid playing in the street and be careful while playing outdoors.

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Department Headquarters

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47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

December 2019
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CHIEF FRED A. MITCHELL, JR.

Georgetown Fire Department.
Always on duty.