D Group Battles Vacant Structure Fire

On Monday, September 27th at 02:57, a full assingment was dispatched for a reported structure fire at 140 First St, reported by PPD. First arriving personnel, led by Deputy Mark Cancilla, found heavy fire venting from the 'C' side of the vacant building and began an defensive attack, as the building was placarded for no interior firefighting. Due to the heavy fortification of the vacant building, the fire eventually burned through the roof. Tower 1 was charged and successfully protected the 3-story brick structure 20' to the north of the fire building. The fire was eventually brought under control aroud 6:00AM. The building suffered over $75,000 in damage and was demolished and removed the following day. MSP and PFD Fire Investigators conducted an orgin and cause investigation, deeming the fire intentionally set. There were no injuries reported, but many firefighters were exposed to heavy smoke due to the fortified windows and doors.

YouTube Video of the Fire

C Group makes quick work of structure fire involving vinyl siding

On September 25th, 2010, a full assignment was dispatched for a reported structure fire at 253 Lenox Ave. First arriving firefightes on Engine 5 found fire spreading up the side of the building from the electrical service. Further investigation found that a contractor had drilled into the electrical service causing the siding to ignite. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and checked for extension inside the building. WMECO was on scene quickly to terminate power to the building. No injuries were reported.

PFD FF Combat Challenge Team breaks State Records again!

The PFD Firefighter Combat Challenge Team just returned home from Elkton, MD with several new state records. Dan Garner broke the coveted 2-minute mark and set a new state record with a time of 1:51. Dan Aitken also broke 2 minutes with a run of 1:56. The team also broke the state Individual Team record again with a time of 6:00. If that wasn't enough, the team broke the state record again in the Team Relay event running as Team Nuclea Bio with a team of 1:28. For results, visit the Results page on the Team's website. All photos and videos are posted on their Facebook Page.

A Group works fire at 21 Orchard Street

On Monday, September 13th, A Group firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 21 Orchard St, a 2 1/2 story duplex. Acting Deputy Andrew Stephenson found heavy smoke coming from the 'C' side of the building and eves. Firefighters made a quick knockdown of the visible fire on the exterior and stretched lines into the 2nd floor and attic to find and knockdown the remaining body of fire. Extensive overhaul was necessary to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. Firefighters performed salvage operations in both apartments, as both were occupied by families. WMECO responded to terminate power and the American Red Cross found temporary housing for the fire victims as the building has been deemed uninhabitable.

D Group responds to MVA involving Fire

On September 11th, 2010 at 01:57AM, D Group firefighters on Engine3 were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with the vehicle reportedly being on fire. The vehicle was found against the gaurdrail with the engine compartment involved in fire. There were no occupants found in the vehicle, lone operator was already under arrest by PPD. The fire was quickly extinguished and E-3 stood by until the vehicle was removed.

Department to hire four firefighters

The department is in line to hire four new firefighters to fill vacancies created by retirements. The recent SAFER grant, awarded in the spring, raised staffing levels to 94 firefighters and in order to retain the grant, the department needs to maintain that level for three years. The four firefighters hired on the grant recently graduated from the department's four week training academy and are currently working. There is no guarantee the new vacancies will be filled with local residents as prefence will be given to laid off firefighters throughout the state. Acting Chief Czerwinski hopes to have the positions filled in October.

'A' Group makes great stop of Crosby Place blaze

On Friday, September 3rd at 7:36 P.M., reports of a structure fire came in at 26-28 Crosby Place, located across from the Post Office. The first floor tenant had left home with cooking oil heating on the stove, only to return to find his apartment in flames. First arriving firefighters on Engine 3, led by Acting Deputy Stephenson, forced entry into the apartment and made an offensive attack on the heavily involved fire. The fire quickly went to a double alarm, calling all on duty personnel to the scene and Lenox Fire in to cover Headquarters. The fire was quickly brought under control but required extensive overhaul to completely extinguish it. Noone was in the four apartment dwelling at the time of the fire which sustained upwards of $50,000 in damage. On firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was treated and released from BMC. The American Red Cross has found temporary housing for the fire victims as the building has been deemed uninhabitable.