Wenham Fire and mutual aid partners battled a large brush fire on Wednesday. (Photo Courtesy Wenham Fire)
WENHAM – Chief Stephen B. Kavanagh reports that the Wenham Fire Department battled a large brush fire yesterday afternoon.
On Wednesday, April 9, at approximately 3:28 p.m., Northshore Regional 911 received reports of a brush fire in the area of the Danvers-Wenham SwampWalk and alerted Wenham Fire.
Upon arrival, crews located an actively burning brush fire that appeared to be growing rapidly due to winds.
Firefighters used pumps and tanker trucks to attack the flames. Wenham Fire struck a third alarm to bring additional resources to the scene.
After six hours, the fire was extinguished. Crews remained on-scene to monitor any hot spots.
There were no reported injuries.
Mutual aid was provided by the Hamilton, Danvers, Boxford, Topsfield, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Middleton Fire Departments, and the Massachusetts Department of Forestry.
Rehab 5 and Five Sons Pizza provided food and drinks to crews on-scene.
Station coverage was provided by Ipswich Fire, Peabody Fire, Salem Fire and Beauport Ambulance.
Wenham Fire returned to the scene this morning to continue to monitor any hot spots.
“I would like to thank our mutual aid partners for their diligent work in assisting and supporting us,” said Chief Kavanagh. “We are grateful to Rehab 5 and Five Sons Pizza for providing us with food and drinks during our hours-long response.”
Daylight Saving Time begins on March 9 this year. The Wenham Fire Department would like to remind residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they move their clocks forward.
Clocks will be moved ahead one hour on Sunday, March 9 at 2 a.m.
Properly installed and maintained smoke and carbon monoxide alarms play a crucial role in emergency scenarios. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that from 2018-22, 59% of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (43%) or no working smoke alarms (16%).
WENHAM – Chief Stephen B. Kavanagh reports that the Wenham Fire Department and mutual aid partners responded Wednesday to a serious injury crash on Route 128.
On Wednesday, Feb. 19, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Wenham Police and Fire were called to Route 128 Northbound near the Beverly line for a report of a rollover crash.
Deputy Chief Jeffrey Baxter and Wenham Police were the first to arrive on scene, and they reported that the only occupant of the vehicle involved was trapped.
Recognizing that the Beverly Fire Department was nearby and could respond quickly, Deputy Baxter called for Beverly firefighters to respond with hydraulic extrication tools to assist the trapped occupant.
Beverly Fire Engine 5 and Ladder 1 responded to the scene and used hydraulic extrication tools to free the occupant. That individual was then taken by Beauport Ambulance Paramedics to Beverly Hospital. That individual’s condition is unknown at this time.
Massachusetts State Police responded to the scene and are investigating the crash. Also responding were Manchester-by-the-Sea Police and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
“I want to thank all of our mutual aid partners, including Wenham Police, Beverly Fire, Manchester-by-the-Sea Police, Massachusetts State Police and the Department of Transportation for their prompt and professional responses to this incident,” said Chief Kavanagh. “Our mutual aid support is always critical, especially when serious incidents like this occur.”
Any additional inquiries should be directed to the Massachusetts State Police.
Open Burning Season begins on Jan. 15 through May 1. Per Massachusetts Law, residents and community members must obtain a burn permit or renew their current permit each year to comply with state and local laws.
To obtain a burn permit, visit the department website or contact the department directly. Burning can only be conducted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Residents are reminded that the past fall weather has been extremely dry, causing brush and wildfires across the state. Residents should remain cautious and use sound judgment during the open burning season.
For more information about open burning in Massachusetts, click here. In the event of an emergency call 911.
Any Outdoor Fire Will Spread and Threaten People and Property
As drought conditions spread across Massachusetts and the wildfire risk continues to grow, Wenham Fire Chief Stephen Kavanagh and municipal leaders are prohibiting any outdoor fires at least until Friday, Nov. 15.
“Historically low rainfall, bright and breezy weather, and bone-dry fuel sources mean that any outdoor fire will quickly grow out of control,” said Chief Kavanagh. “Every firefighter battling a preventable wildfire is one who can’t respond to a house fire, car crash, or medical emergency. Help us help you. Please use caution and common sense and refrain from any outdoor activity that could spark a fire.”
Burning yard waste is already prohibited across Massachusetts through January 15 and year-round in some communities under 310 CMR 7.07, the Open Burning regulation. Today’s order additionally restricts the outdoor use of fire pits, chimineas, candles, cooking/heating equipment, and other ignition sources under Section 10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. The Code grants fire officials the authority to prohibit any and all open flames and other ignition sources under certain hazardous conditions, including extreme drought.
Any requests for permits for outdoor fires, hot work such as cutting/grinding, and other activity will be decided in light of the ongoing fire risk.
All of Massachusetts, including Wenham, is facing an unprecedented fall wildfire season. Statewide, fires in October rose 1,200% above the historical average, and the 133 fires reported in the first week of November represent more than six times the average for the entire month. Many have damaged homes and other properties. According to Chief Kavanagh, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and the Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control & Forestry, almost all of these fires start with human activity and can be prevented by limiting outdoor activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers, hot engines or gasoline from power equipment, and other ignition sources.
Months without meaningful rainfall, abundant dead leaves and vegetation, bright sunshine, and gusty winds make the current and expected weather conditions ripe for a wildfire in every city and town in Massachusetts. At the same time, static water sources like lakes and ponds are supplying less water and water pressure to extinguish these fires. Because about 45% of Massachusetts homes are in or near wooded areas, almost any significant wildfire will threaten residential areas.
“The faster we hear about a fire, the better chance we have of safely extinguishing it,” said Chief Kavanagh. “If you see smoke or flames, please call 9-1-1 right away so we can protect you, your neighbors, and our community.”
Fire Prevention Week, organized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), aims to teach everyone how to stay safe in case of a fire. This year, it’s being held from Oct. 6-12 with the theme “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™” The NFPA strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. The three most important factors are to INSTALL, TEST, and REPLACE. Are your smoke detectors working?
This week is Child Passenger Safety Week, and we would like to raise awareness about properly sized and correctly installed car seats. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association found that while most parents and caregivers believe they know how to properly install their car seats, about half (48%) have installed their child’s car seat incorrectly.
It is recommended that all car seats are registered with their manufacturers in case of a safety recall.
The department is offering free car seat safety checks to ensure seats are appropriate for the child’s age and size, and that the seat is properly installed. We will also be able to assist new parents with the initial installation of a car seat, and can answer questions about child safety seats. To request an appointment for car seat installation please fill out the form here.
State law requires that all children riding in passenger vehicles must be in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured according to the manufacturer’s instructions until they are eight years old or over 57 inches tall.
Possession or Use of Fireworks is Illegal in Massachusetts
Police Chief Kevin DiNapoli and Fire Chief Stephen Kavanagh, along with the Wenham Police and Fire Departments, wish to share several important safety tips and reminders as residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.
According to the state Department of Fire Services and State Police, Massachusetts fire departments reported nearly 1,000 fires related to illegal fireworks between 2013 and 2022. In 2022 alone, fire departments reported 106 fires and explosions attributed to fireworks, an increase of nearly a third over the prior year. More than half of those incidents took place during the week of July 4, 2022.
It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks of all kinds in Massachusetts without a license and a permit. This includes fireworks purchased legally elsewhere and brought into Massachusetts. It includes sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, and other fireworks. Fines range from $10 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.
The Department of Fire Services posts a list of permitted municipal fireworks displays and updates it each week through the summer. Residents are encouraged to attend the fireworks displays and leave fireworks and explosives in the hands of professionals.
Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice in the community to the Wenham Police Department at 978-468-4000.
In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always dial 911.
Additionally, residents are reminded of these key safety tips for Fourth of July celebrations:
Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
Report illegal or suspicious fires to the police.
Remember that alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
Never allow young children to go near fireworks.
Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost.Read more here.
Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. From 2017 to 2021 approximately 1,460 drivers were killed in motor vehicle crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — 38% of the drivers killed were drunk.
Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home safely.
Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive. Alcohol and drugs impair perception, judgement, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.
The Wenham Police and Fire Departments wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July.
WENHAM – Police Chief Kevin DiNapoli and Fire Chief Stephen Kavanagh report that the Wenham Police and Fire Departments responded Sunday afternoon to a motorcycle crash on Grapevine Road.
On Sunday, March 10, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the North Shore Regional 9-1-1 Center in Middleton received a report of a motorcycle crash in the area of 52 Grapevine Road in Wenham.
Wenham Police and Fire responded and found a single-vehicle motorcycle crash, with an adult male operator suffering from what appeared to be serious injuries.
The operator was transported by a medical helicopter to a regional trauma center.
The crash remains under investigation by the Wenham Police Department.
32 firefighters from 12 departments graduated from the MFA’s Call/Volunteer Training Program on Wednesday, March 6, including four from Wenham Fire Department. (Photo Courtesy Wenham Fire Department)
WENHAM – Chief Stephen Kavanagh is pleased to announce that four Wenham firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy’s (MFA) Call/Volunteer Training Program.
Firefighters Brennan Lucado, Jessa Hattabaugh, Brett Donovan, and Matt Dickman were among the 32 graduates from 12 departments who graduated from the Academy’s Call/Volunteer Training Program Class 109 on Wednesday, March 6.
“I would like to congratulate Firefighters Lucado, Hattabaugh, Donovan and Dickman on completing their training,” said Chief Kavanagh. “Their continued hard work and effort does not go unnoticed and I look forward to watching their careers grow with Wenham for years to come.”
Graduates of the program complete 240 hours of training, all on nights and weekends. To graduate, they must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack techniques. Upon completion of the training, they have also met the standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001.
During the 16-week training program, participants learn the basic skills they need to respond to emergencies, including lessons on fire behavior and suppression, public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The program involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.
Other graduates of Class 109 represent the fire departments of Boxford, Essex, Georgetown, Groveland, Hamilton, Lynnfield, Middleton, Nahant, Rowley, and Topsfield.
