Georgetown Fire

Georgetown Fire Department Offers Electrical Safety Tips

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GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department wish to remind residents of important electrical safety tips this May. 

Each May, the Electrical Safety Foundation International launches National Electrical Safety Month, a campaign to raise awareness about electrical safety.

According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, electrical fires are the second leading cause behind fatal residential fires in Massachusetts. 

“It’s far too easy to overlook the warning signs leading up to an electrical fire and we encourage residents to take the time to examine their devices and outlets,” Chief Mitchell said. “Keep an eye on your machines and appliances, and make sure they aren’t being misused or overused.”

The National Fire Protection Association offers the following Electrical Fire Safety Tips:

  • Make sure all electrical work is done by a qualified electrician.
  • When buying a new home or remodeling, have it inspected by someone qualified to do so.
  • Don’t plug more than one heat-producing appliance into an outlet, like a space heater or toaster.
  • Do not plug a major appliance, like a refrigerator, dryer, washer, stove or air conditioner, into an extension cord. These machines need to be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet.
  • Consider having an advanced circuit breaker installed, which will shut off electricity when they detect a problem.
  • Do not run electrical cords across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended to be used temporarily.
  • Make sure you’re using a light bulb with the correct number of watts.
  • The National Fire Protection Association also encourages people to call a qualified electrician if fuses blow frequently in the home, circuit breakers frequently trip, you have a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance, wall outlets are warm or discolored, a burning or rubbery smell is coming from an appliance, flickering or dimming lights, or sparks coming from an outlet.

The National Fire Protection Association also has several tips for outdoor electrical safety:

  • Use lighting and power tools that are meant to be used outdoors and have been listed by a qualified test laboratory.
  • Store electrical tools inside and keep them away from children.
  • Make sure the area around your electric meter and other electrical equipment is clear.
  • Before turning on a light or using an extension cord, check it for damage. Replace damaged cords.
  • Only use extension cords that are meant to be used outdoors and are listed by a qualified test laboratory.

Residents that have an electrical safety question or a concern can reach the Georgetown Fire Department at 978-352-5757.

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Georgetown Fire Department Set to Head Out on 18th Annual Santa Tour

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

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

For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 8, 2017

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

Georgetown Fire Department Set to Head Out on 18th Annual Santa Tour

The Santa Tour winds through the streets of Georgetown every year. (Courtesy Photo)

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. is pleased to announce that the Georgetown Fire Department will be taking Santa around town this weekend as part of its 18th annual fundraising event for Toys for Tots.

WHEN:

Sunday, Dec. 10, beginning at 11 a.m.

WHERE:

Each of the neighborhoods in town 

WHAT:

Georgetown firefighters and Santa will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for children, ages infant to 16, all along their route. Those who miss the Santa tour can drop off toys at the police or fire station, 47 Central St.

The fire department has been collecting toys to donate to Toys for Tots — a foundation started by the U.S. Marine Corps — since 2000.

“This event is something that our entire department looks forward to year after year,” event coordinator Deputy Chief Rusty Ricker said. “We love the Santa Tour because it’s fun for our residents and firefighters, and gives everyone in the community a chance to give back and make the holiday season memorable for kids in need.”

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Georgetown Fire Department to Host Open House

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

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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Georgetown Fire Department Responds To Machine Fire

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

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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Photos: Georgetown Fire Department Hosts Firefighter Memorial Event With Neighboring Departments

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

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

For Immediate Release

Monday, June 19, 2017

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

 

Photos: Georgetown Fire Department Hosts Firefighter Memorial Event With Neighboring Departments

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. is pleased to announce that the Georgetown Fire Department hosted a Firefighter Memorial event last weekend, along with the Groveland and West Newbury Fire Departments. 

The three departments come together annually for a memorial event and again paid tribute on Sunday, June 11, to the firefighters both past and present who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities. 

“It is really important to us to take time out to remember the men and women who have committed and sacrificed to keep residents safe,” Chief Mitchell said. “It was an honor for us to host this year’s memorial and pay tribute to every person who has served our three communities.” 

 

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Georgetown Fire Department Provides Holiday Decor Safety Tips for Residents

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

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

For Immediate Release

Monday, Dec. 12, 2016

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

Georgetown Fire Department Provides Holiday Decor Safety Tips for Residents

GEORGETOWN — As residents prepare for the holidays, Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. and the Georgetown Fire Department urge community members to account for fire safety when planning their holiday festivities and decorating their homes this season.

“Decorating for the holidays is an important tradition for many residents, and we want to ensure that everyone remains safe while enjoying this time of year,” Chief Mitchell said. “Remember to water Christmas trees daily and keep them away from heat sources, and always keep candles away from anything that could catch fire.”

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, one-third of home Christmas tree fires are due to electrical problems and one-quarter start when the tree is too close to a heat source.

In order to keep your home safe from fire during the holiday season this year, Chief Mitchell recommends residents consider the following safety tips outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

  • Water Christmas trees daily and remember to never place trees near heaters, fireplaces, or candles.
  • Ensure artificial trees have flame retardant labels when purchasing.
  • Consider switching to LED lights for your tree, as they are cooler and use less electricity.
  • Remember to turn off your tree lights when leaving the house or going to bed.
  • Maintain at least three feet of distance between space heaters and anything that can burn, such as curtains or holiday decor.
  • Dispose of your tree shortly after the holiday and take advantage of community curbside pickup or recycling programs where available.
  • For outdoor decor, make sure to purchase lights rated for outdoor use.
  • Anchor outdoor lights and decor against wind and storms with insulated holders or hooks.
  • Make sure to use electrical connection protectors to keep water out and make sure outdoor decorations are plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
  • Don’t overload circuits or drive nails, staples or tacks through wiring insulation.

For more information on holiday safety tips, visit the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services website or contact the Georgetown Fire Department at 978-352-5757.

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Georgetown Fire Reminds Residents to Properly Display House Numbers

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

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

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016

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

Georgetown Fire Reminds Residents to Properly Display House Numbers

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. and the Georgetown Fire Department would like to remind residents about the importance of properly displaying street numbers on homes and businesses.

“Every second counts in an emergency, and large, visible street numbers allow first responders to locate the property much faster,” Chief Mitchell said. “Please follow the guidelines provided and be sure to contact the fire department if you have any questions about properly displaying your house or business numbers.”

The Town of Georgetown issues the following requirements for street numbers:

  • Display of numbers required. All houses, businesses and other principal buildings must clearly display street identification numbers to assist emergency, postal and delivery vehicles to locate specific properties in town.
  • Numbers to be visible from the street. It is the responsibility of the owner to display house and building numbers so they are visible from the street.
  • Display of numbers on post or mailbox. In the event that a house, business or principal building is not visible from the street, the number must be displayed on a post or mailbox in a way that is visible from the street.
  • Height requirement. The numbers must be at least 3 inches tall.

In order to make street numbers more easily visible, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services recommends the following:

  • Make sure numbers are facing the street.
  • Place numbers under lighting and with a contrasting background so they will be visible at night.
  • If your driveway is long, post your house number on both sides of a mailbox or sign pole at the end of the driveway near the road.
  • Be sure to trim trees and bushes that could be blocking street numbers.

Residents who have questions or concerns about the visibility of house or business street numbers should contact the Georgetown Fire Department at 978-352-5757.

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Georgetown Fire Department Extinguishes Chimney Fire

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

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 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 Newsletter September 2016

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

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

Georgetown Fire Department Newsletter September 2016

GEORGETOWN – As the cool weather rolled in during the month of September, the Georgetown Fire Department continued to stay busy responding to incidents and conducting inspections and routine maintenance to the station. Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. is pleased to share what firefighters were up to last month.

Throughout September, the Georgetown Fire Department responded to 144 incidents:

Fire: 4
Explosions: 1
Rescue and EMS: 53
Inspections: 26
False alarms: 17

During the month of September, the Georgetown Fire Department participated in its monthly training programs and conducted routine building cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, the department completed the renewal process for its ambulance licenses and replaced the rear tires on Engine 1.

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 Reminds Residents of Smoke Detector Safety

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

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

For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 9, 2016

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

Georgetown Fire Department Reminds Residents of Smoke Detector Safety

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred A. Mitchell, Jr. and the Georgetown Fire Department are reminding residents about smoke alarm safety, especially the importance of having up-to-date and properly functioning detectors in your home or business.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire death and injuries. Three out of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Over the past six weeks, the Georgetown Fire Department has responded to at least six homes where smoke alarms were sounding for no apparent reason, which is usually a sign of a faulty detector. In each instance, firefighters discovered that the detectors were well past their expiration date according to manufacturer recommendations.

Chief Mitchell recommends that residents follow these tips outlined by the NFPA to keep homes safe and prevent fires:

  • Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
  • Smoke alarms should be interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound. Interconnection can be done using hard-wiring or wireless technology.
  • When interconnected smoke alarms are installed, it is important that all of the alarms are from the same manufacturer.
  • Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
  • Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (life-long) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.

Installing smoke alarms

  • Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room, den or family room, or near the stairway to the upper level.
  • Smoke alarms installed in the basement should be installed on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next level.
  • Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet (3 meters) from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking.
  • Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings (remember, smoke rises). Wall-mounted alarms should be installed not more than 12 inches away from the ceiling (to the top of the alarm). If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm within 3 feet of the peak but not within the apex of the peak (four inches down from the peak).
  • Don’t install smoke alarms near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.
  • Never paint smoke alarms. Paint, stickers, or other decorations could keep the alarms from working.

If you are unsure about the safety of smoke alarms in your home, Georgetown firefighters will provide a free inspection. To make an appointment or for more information about properly installing or testing smoke detectors, contact the Georgetown Fire Department at 978-352-5757.

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Department Headquarters

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47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

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CHIEF FRED A. MITCHELL, JR.

Georgetown Fire Department.
Always on duty.