Wenham Fire Department

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.”