Department News

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.  

Chief Stephen Kavanagh and the Wenham Fire Department would like to share fire safety tips for community members to be mindful of while decorating for the holidays.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2017-2021, firefighters responded to an average of 150 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. Fire departments also responded to an estimated average of 793 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees.

Christmas Tree Safety

According to the NFPA, nearly one in five Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs, and 8% by candles. Although the NFPA notes that Christmas tree fires are not common, they can grow very fast. The following tips are recommended to help prevent a fire.

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles. The needles should not fall off when touched.
• Place the tree at least 3 feet from any heat source, including fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents and lights. Do not place the tree in an area where it may be blocking an exit.
• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk. Always add water to the tree stand daily.
• Ensure your string lights are intended for indoor use and use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Never decorate a tree with lit candles.
• Always turn off the lights on your tree before going to bed or leaving home.
• Dispose of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. As trees dry out, they become more flammable and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Approximately 30% of Christmas tree fires happen in January.

General Holiday Decorating Tips

• Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Be careful about the placement of decorations, and be sure to keep them away from lit candles and other heat sources.
• Hang lights using clips, not nails, so that the cords do not get damaged.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Do not place decorations in the way of windows and doors.
• Candle use:
  • Candle fires peak in December and January with 11% of candle fires in each of these months.
  • Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Keep candles at least 1 foot from anything that can burn.
  • Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily. Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface. Lit candles should not be placed in windows where a blind or curtain could catch fire.
  • If a candle must burn continuously, be sure it is enclosed in a glass container and placed in a sink, on a metal tray, or in a deep basin filled with water.
  • Candles should be out of the reach of children and pets. Consider using battery-operated candles around children.
  • Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.

Holiday Entertaining Tips

• Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. The steam or splash from hot food or drink could cause serious burns.

For additional holiday fire safety tips, visit nfpa.org.

The Wenham Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

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WENHAM — Chief Stephen Kavanagh and the Wenham Fire Department wish to share safety tips with community members as they plan to cook, bake and enjoy holiday meals over the coming days and weeks.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve are peak days for home cooking fires. During 2017–2021, unattended cooking was the leading factor contributing to cooking fires and casualties.

To help prevent cooking fires and burn injuries this holiday season, community members are encouraged to review the following tips from the NFPA.

• When using the stovetop, never leave anything cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• When simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while the food is cooking and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• When frying or sautéing, heat oil slowly to the temperature you need. Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells while cooking, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging or towels — away from your stovetop.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from things like vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep the kitchen and dining room floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, bags or other items while cooking or handling food.
• Test your smoke alarms before cooking and make sure the batteries are replaced if needed.
• If you have a cooking fire:
  • If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool.
  • If a fire starts in the oven, turn off the oven and leave the door closed. The oven should be checked and/or serviced before being used again.
  • If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 after you leave.

Additionally, the NFPA strongly discourages the use of deep fryers for cooking turkeys. For a safe alternative, NFPA recommends purchasing a fried turkey from a grocery store or restaurant or buying a fryer that does not use oil. Those who do use a fryer should use it on a sturdy, flat surface that is outdoors and at least 10 feet away from structures, including porches. Turkeys should be completely thawed and dried before being placed in a deep fryer to avoid flare-ups.

The Wenham Fire Department wishes everyone a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.

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WENHAM — Chief Stephen Kavanagh is pleased to announce the launch of the Wenham Fire Department’s new website.  

The new site features an interactive home page with user-friendly features. The site now offers users a chance to learn about different fire prevention resources including education programs and safety tips. 

Users can now obtain burn permits, online forms and contact the department directly on the site. 

Additionally, residents can explore resources provided by the department, including car seat installations. 

The new site was designed by John Guilfoil Public Relations.  

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WENHAM —Chief Stephen Kavanagh is pleased to announce that the Wenham Fire Department was awarded a grant to support its fire education work in the community.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services awarded Wenham Fire $2,881 for its Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) Program and $1,777 for the Senior S.A.F.E. Program.

The funding gives the department the opportunity to work directly with students in schools and seniors to educate them about fire safety and prevention. Each program is tailored to the common needs of each age group and includes general fire prevention reminders and safe practices in the home. Lessons feature many safety topics including steps to take if a fire alarm goes off.

The lessons taught in the school-based program are in line with the standards of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Health Curriculum Frameworks and the state Department of Fire Services Curriculum Planning Guidebook.

Twenty-seven years after the introduction of the S.A.F.E program within schools, the rate of annual child fire deaths has decreased by 78%, according to the state’s Department of Fire Services, which administers the two programs.

T o learn more about the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ S.A.F.E program, click here.

WENHAM —Chief Stephen Kavanagh is pleased to announce that the Wenham Fire Department is one of over 300 fire departments across the state to have been awarded a grant as part of the Department of Fire Services Fiscal Year 2023 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program.

The $10,646.25 grant awarded to the Wenham Fire Department will be used to purchase firefighter turnout gear.

The program provides local fire departments with a variety of equipment that makes the dangerous job of firefighting safer. This is the third year that funding has been awarded for this purpose as part of a five-year, $25 million bond bill filed by the Baker-Polito Administration to support firefighter safety and health in the coming years.

Fire departments in Massachusetts were able to apply to this program for 121 different types of eligible equipment, including ballistic protective clothing, thermal protective clothing, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, assorted hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, fitness equipment and more.

“Every time a firefighter goes to work, they could be asked to rescue a child from a burning building, clean up a spill of hazardous materials, treat a patient with a contagious medical condition, or rush into a hostile event to rescue and treat victims,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey. “This program is absolutely vital to helping fire departments prepare for the vast array of hazards they face today and making sure that firefighters go home safe after every call.”

A complete list of the awards by department can be found here.

WENHAM — Chief Stephen Kavanagh and the Wenham Fire Department would like to remind students how to avoid fire dangers in their dorms and apartments as they return to campus this fall.

From January 2000 to May 2015, there were 85 fatal fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities and off-campus housing, resulting in 118 fatalities — an average of approximately seven per school year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Of these fires, a majority (70%) occurred over the weekend with most occurring between midnight and 6 a.m. Leading causes of campus housing fires include cooking, careless smoking, unattended candles and overloaded extension cords, power strips or outlets.

The most effective fire prevention measure is the use of fire alarms and sprinklers. Fire alarms keep residents safe by warning them of a potential fire. Sprinkler systems can help to control the fire immediately, often extinguishing the fire or greatly limiting a fire’s ability to spread.

The Wenham Fire Department also reminds students that alcohol or drugs and fires don’t mix. These substances increase your chance of falling asleep while cooking or while a candle is lit and limit your ability to respond to an alarm.

To prevent accidents and injuries, the Wenham Fire Department recommends the following safety tips for students from the USFA:

Cooking

• Cook only where it is allowed.
• Keep your cooking area clean and free of anything that can burn.
• Keep an eye on what you are cooking, especially if you are cooking at high temperatures.
• If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.

Candles

• Place candles in sturdy holders.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Keep candles away from anything that can burn.
• Consider using safe flameless candles.

Smoking

• Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can.
• Use deep, wide ashtrays. Place ashtrays on something sturdy and hard to burn.
• After a party, check for cigarette butts, especially under cushions. Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn fast.
• Don’t smoke when you have been drinking or are drowsy.

Electrical Safety

• Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn.
• Never use an extension cord with large appliances, like a refrigerator.
• Do not overload outlets.
• Use only surge protectors or power strips that have internal overload protection.

Additional Safety Tips

• Never disable or remove batteries from smoke alarms.
• Don’t hang things on or cover fire sprinklers. This can affect their ability to work properly.
• Always know two ways out, no matter where you are. Plan and practice your escape routes.
• Leave immediately, closing doors behind you, and knock on roommates’ and neighbors’ doors as you exit.
• Once you’re out, stay out! Never go back inside a building until it is cleared and determined safe.

National Burn Awareness Week begins Sunday, providing an opportunity to promote awareness of burn safety. This year’s theme is “Burning Issues in the Kitchen.” Did you know kids under 5 are at greatest risk of serious scalds.

Wenham Fire Recue hosted a successful Toys-for-Tots donation drive for kids in need.. Department members collected toys at the station, with special guests Santa and Sparky the Fire Dog.

Wenham Fire Rescue would like to thank everyone who participated and donated.

WENHAM — Fire Chief Stephen Kavanagh would like to remind Wenham residents to practice safe grilling habits while cooking outdoors this season.

Each year Massachusetts fire departments respond to hundreds of fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

“Grilling is a favorite summer hobby for many, but please be cautious when around any type of grill,” said Chief Kavanagh. “Should a grilling fire or other accident occur, please do not hesitate to dial 911, and be mindful of the common-sense steps you can take to prevent fires caused by grilling.”

Chief Kavanagh would like to share the following safety tips provided by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

Safety First

• Always grill outdoors.
• Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).
• Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
• Grills must be 10 feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches.
• Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.
• Place grills away from the house and deck railings.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders. Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.

Gas Grill Safety

• Never leave a burning grill unattended.
• Make sure that the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
• If you smell gas while cooking, turn off and get away from the grill. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
• Always turn off the burners and close the propane cylinder when you are done cooking.
• Keep all propane outdoors, at least 10 feet away from building openings such as doors, windows and dryer vents, and 20 feet away from air intake vents and ignition sources.
• Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
• Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
• Replace propane cylinders that are old, rusty, or showing any other signs of disrepair.

Charcoal Grill Safety

• Use only charcoal starter fluid. Gasoline and kerosene should not be used to start a fire in a grill. Never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals. Doing so may cause a flash fire and result in serious burn injuries.
• Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Never use charcoal grills indoors.
• For proper disposal of grill ashes, allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposal. If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.

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