Georgetown Fire Department Responds to Chimney Fire

February 8, 2018 by Jessica Sacco

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

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018

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

Georgetown Fire Department Responds to Chimney Fire

The Georgetown Fire Department extinguished a chimney fire on Bartlett Drive. (Courtesy Photo Georgetown Fire Department)

Crews quickly extinguished the chimney fire, preventing extension into the home. (Courtesy Photo Georgetown Fire Department)

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell Jr. reports that the Georgetown Fire Department extinguished a chimney fire last week.

On Friday, Feb. 2, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Georgetown Fire Department was dispatched to a residence on Bartlett Drive for a report of a chimney fire.

Engine 1, Engine 4, Ladder 1 and Car 1 responded. Upon arrival, firefighters on Engine 1 found embers and smoke emitting from the chimney.

Crews from Engine 1 then entered the residence to assess the fireplace and check for extension to the first and second floors, along with the attic. Thankfully, the fire had not extended.

Firefighters then placed a ladder up to the chimney and roof. They noticed that there was a blockage approximately 2 feet from the top of the chimney and that the flue had partially collapsed.

Crews quickly extinguished the fire and removed the blockage. No injuries were reported.

“This was a best-case scenario in terms of chimney fires in that there was no extension into the home,” Chief Mitchell said. “We’re thankful that no one was injured, and cannot stress enough the importance of completing fireplace maintenance at the start of heating season to ensure everything is in safe, working order.”

To prevent chimney fires, the Georgetown Fire Department recommends that residents:

Have your chimney flue cleaned before each heating season and burn only dry, well-seasoned, hardwood to reduce creosote accumulation.
Be sure to check the combustion chamber for damage and look for corrosion or damage to the vent before using.
Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
Be sure that the damper of the chimney is open before lighting a fire. Failure to do so can result in an accumulation of smoke and carbon monoxide within the home. Do not close the damper before the fire has died out and the embers are cold.
Use a fireplace screen to prevent flying sparks and embers from falling out onto the floor.
Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Be sure to properly dispose of ashes from chimneys and stoves. Ashes should be shoveled into a metal bucket with a metal lid, placed outside, on the ground, away from the building, to prevent fires. Do not place ashes into a paper bag or cardboard box, as ashes and embers can stay hot for days and ignite combustibles.

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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 Battles 2-Alarm Fire in Commercial Building

March 19, 2017 by John Guilfoil

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

For Immediate Release

Sunday, March 19, 2017

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

Georgetown Fire Department Battles 2-Alarm Fire in Commercial Building

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell reports that the Georgetown Fire Department battled a fire in a commercial building on Sunday morning.

Firefighters were called to 65 Central St. at 8 a.m. Sunday for an activated fire alarm. Firefighters arrived and saw smoke showing from the rear of the building on the left side, but the source of the fire was not immediately apparent. Deputy Fire Chief Russell C. Moyer Jr. was the incident commander, and he quickly called for a second alarm response, bringing additional manpower and apparatus to the scene.

Fire crews were able to isolate and contain the fire to one portion of the building. The building houses a CVS/Pharmacy, two doctor’s offices, a law firm, a yoga studio, and several other offices. The two medical offices and at least one other office on the left side sustained significant damage, and other offices sustained water and smoke damage, but the CVS and other offices on the right side of the building were undamaged. The fire was under control within about 30 minutes.

No one was injured. The CVS was expected to open for business later on Sunday.

The building is located directly next-door to the Georgetown Public Safety Building, which houses the Georgetown Central Fire Station.

“This was a tremendous and professional effort by our fire crews and neighbors providing mutual aid,” Chief Mitchell said. “Thanks to the hard work of the responding firefighters, no one was injured, and the building was saved this morning.”

Mutual aid was provided by the Haverhill, Newbury, Groveland, West Newbury, Boxford, Rowley, and Topsfield Fire Departments. Atlantic Ambulance Service, the Georgetown Electric Department, and National Grid Massachusetts Gas also responded to the scene.

The Georgetown Police Department closed Central Street between the United States Post Office and Andover Street during the fire, but the road was expected to reopen late Sunday morning.

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Photos: Georgetown Fire Teaches Smoke and Fire Safety at Elementary School

February 20, 2017 by Chief Fred Mitchell

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

For Immediate Release

Monday, Feb. 20, 2017

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

Photos: Georgetown Fire Teaches Smoke and Fire Safety at Elementary School

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GEORGETOWN– Chief Fred Mitchell is pleased to announce that the Georgetown Fire Department visited the Perley Elementary School to teach preschoolers about fire safety and how to safely exit a burning building last week.

On Thursday, Feb. 16, Georgetown Firefighter Dan Higgins presented to two preschool classes, showing students his protective equipment and explaining how it helps him in emergency situations. Firefighter Higgins put on his gear in an effort to familiarize the children with what a firefighter looks like, and, should they ever encounter one during a fire, help them to not be scared.

The Georgetown Fire Department conducts trainings for elementary school-age children annually.

Students also learned the “Get Low and Go” motto, which teaches children how to get out of a smoke-filled building. Because smoke and hot air rise, Firefighter Higgins explained, staying low to the ground will help people breathe better, see better and stay cool as they exit a structure.

Firefighter Higgins then led students through the “Get Low and Go” exercises, teaching them how to safely crawl out of smoke-filled or burning building.

“I’d like to thank Firefighter Higgins for taking the time to teach our community’s youngest school-age children,” Chief Mitchell said. “It’s not only our duty, but also a pleasure, to teach children what to do in case of an emergency in their home or school.”

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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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Georgetown Fire Department Extinguishes Chimney Fire

November 7, 2016 by Chief Fred Mitchell

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

For Immediate Release

Monday, Nov. 7, 2016

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

Georgetown Fire Department Extinguishes Chimney Fire

Georgetown Fire responded to a chimney fire on Sunday night. (Courtesy Photo)

GEORGETOWN – Chief Fred Mitchell reports that the Georgetown Fire Department put out a small chimney fire last night, and would like to provide residents with safety tips as they begin using their fireplaces this season.

On Sunday, Nov. 6, just after 10:30 p.m., firefighters responded to 26A Prospect St. on a report that the residence’s chimney had caught fire.

The fire was contained within the chimney and did not extend into the home. However, Engine 1 and Ladder 1 remained on scene for over an hour due to the excess buildup of creosote – a highly combustible, tar-like substance – inside the chimney.

“We start to see residents using their fireplaces and wood or pellet stoves around this time of year,” Chief Mitchell said. “All chimneys and stoves should be cleaned and inspected at least once a year to prevent this sort of build-up from causing a fire in your home.”

To prevent chimney and wood or pellet stove fires, Chief Mitchell recommends that residents follow safety tips from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

Have your chimney flue cleaned before each heating season and burn only dry, well-seasoned, hardwood to reduce creosote accumulation.
Inspect your pellet and wood stoves annually to ensure they are functioning properly. Be sure to check the combustion chamber for damage and look for corrosion or damage to the vent before using.
Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
Be sure that the damper of the chimney is open before lighting a fire. Failure to do so can result in an accumulation of smoke and carbon monoxide within the home. Do not close the damper before the fire has died out and the embers are cold.
Use a fireplace screen to prevent flying sparks and embers from falling out onto the floor.
Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Be sure to properly dispose of ashes from chimneys and stoves. Ashes should be shoveled into a metal bucket with a metal lid, placed outside, on the ground, away from the building, to prevent fires. Do not place ashes into a paper bag or cardboard box, as ashes and embers can stay hot for days and ignite combustibles.

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Georgetown Fire Department Provides Halloween Safety Tips

October 25, 2016 by Chief Fred Mitchell

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

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016

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

Georgetown Fire Department Provides Halloween Safety Tips

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department are reminding residents of the following safety tips as Halloween approaches.

Halloween, which is celebrated on Oct. 31, falls on a Monday this year. Trick-or-treat hours in Georgetown are from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Georgetown community should also use caution as they celebrate the weekend prior to Halloween, Oct. 28-30.

“Georgetown is a wonderful residential community for trick-or-treating, and the department is committed to insuring everyone’s safety as they walk around town,” Chief Mitchell said. “Drivers, please be extra aware of those out and about on Halloween night. Drive slow, keep your lights on, and yield to all pedestrians.”

The Georgetown Fire Department recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, which ask that people follow the “Safe Halloween” motto.

• Swords and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.

• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

• Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before you eat them.

• Hold a flashlight while walking to ensure that you are visible. Walk and don’t run from house to house.

• Always test makeup in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

• Lower your risk of serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

• Only walk on sidewalks wherever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe and to prevent accidents or injury.

• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.

• Eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid eating homemade treats offered by strangers.

• Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

• Never walk near lit candles or devices with open flames. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Any parents or residents with questions on Halloween safety should contact the Georgetown Fire Department at (978) 352-5757.

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Photos: Georgetown Fire Department Hosts Open House

October 14, 2016 by Chief Fred Mitchell

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

For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 14, 2016

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

Photos: Georgetown Fire Department Hosts Open House

Georgetown Fire hosted an open house at the fire station last weekend. (Courtesy Photo)

Georgetown Fire raised a ladder at last weekend’s Open House. (Courtesy Photo)

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. is pleased to announce that the Georgetown Fire Department hosted a successful Open House last weekend.

Approximately 200 people attended the Open House, which was held on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the fire station, 47 Central St.

The event included fire extinguisher training, vehicle extrication demonstrations, tours of the fire station and fire trucks, among other activities. Information on fire safety was available for all who attended.

Georgetown Police and Amesbury Fire also brought cars and apparatus to the event.

“We are very pleased with the turnout at this season’s Open House,” Chief Mitchell said. “We enjoy conducting demonstrations and distributing information to the community in such a fun, welcoming environment. Thanks to all who came out.”

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