Fire Breaks Out in Basement of Waltham Liquor Store

At 10:57AM on Saturday December 29th 2012 Waltham 911 dispatch center recieved a call for a basement fire at 178 High Street Green River Spirit & Wine. Box 177 was struck and C-2, Engine 1, Squad 5, Ladder 2 & Rescue 6 responded. Newton Engine 4 also responded on the line Box.

 On arrival C-2 reported a small fire in the basement near the electrical panel. The Deputy requested a Working Fire which brought Engine 3 as the RIT Team and AMR Medic 2 to the scene. The Deputy also requested a push on Nstar to kill power to the building. Engine 1 quickly stretched a line into the basement knocking down the fire. No one was injured and it is not known how much damage the building sustained.

Pedestrian Struck on Route 128 sent to Hospital w/ Life Threatening Injuries.

On Thursday Night December 20th 2012 at 8:42PM Waltham Engine 4 & AMR Ambulance 1 were dispatched to Route 20 @ Sibley Road in the rotary for a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. While enroute the location was changed to Route 128 NB under the Route 20 Overpass.

Mass State Police arrived on scene requesting EMS with a push. Squad 5, Deputy Chief and AMR Medic 2 were also dispacthed to the call. On arrival companies reported a pedestrian had been struck by a Tractor Trailer. MSP closed down the Right 2 lanes and AMR came down the ramp the wrong way for faster access to the scene. The victim was in serious condition. Dispatch asked if Medflight was needed and the deputy said the injuries were too severe to wait. AMR ALS & BLS Units transported the victim by ground to Mass General Hospital in Boston with serious life-threatening injuries.

The tractor trailer driver was experiancing chest pains as he was panicing over what just happened. Armstrong responded and transported him to Lahey Clinic in Burlington. The Mass State Police Photo/Recon & Truck Teams were requested to the scene. Lanes were closed going NB till about 11PM for investigation and accident reconstruction.

The Accident Remains Under Investigation by The Massachusetts State Police Accident Reconstruction Team.

                                    Still Shot From MassDOT Traffic Camera At Exit 26 in Waltham

Serious Accident in Waltham Sends Elderly Female To Boston Hospital

At 1:31PM on Wednesday Dec 19th Waltham Police, Waltham Fire Engine 2 & Ambulance 2 were dispatched to the reports of a car vs telephone pole accident at 135 Second Avenue. While enroute an off-duty police officer arrived on scene and reported to 911 that the victim was unconcious in the vehicle.

C-2, Rescue 6 & Medic 1 were added to the response. While enroute the deputy chief requested the vailability of Medflight. On arrival Engine 2 found a car that had struck a fire hydrant before slamming into a telephone pole. Firefighters and medics worked to back board and package the elderly 88-Year old Female victim.

She was transported by ground to Mass General Hospital in Boston with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The Accident is under investigation by the Waltham Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team.

House Fire Quickly Knocked Down in Waltham

At 5:20PM on Monday Evening November 26th 2012 Waltham 911 dispatch center received a call reporting a dryer vent on fire in a home at 17 Mt. Pleasant Street which is a small side street off School Street in Waltham.

The Box was struck and Engine 2, Engine 3, Rescue 6 & Ladder Tower 1 along with Car 2 (Deputy Quinn) responded. On arrival Deputy Micheal Quinn reported a dryer vent fire on the 1st floor of a 2.5 Story Wood Frame Dwelling and advised Engine 2 to pull down the street and grab a hydrant. The occupants had extinguished some of the flames as the first companies pulled up.

The fire soon extended into the walls and Engine 2 stretched a line into the rear of the building. Another line was stretched through the front door as a precaution. Rescue 6 checked the 2nd Floor and reported some minor extension with a smoke condition throughout the house. Ladder Tower 1 began opening walls as Engine 2 charged the line and quickly knocked down the fire.

No injuries were reported. The house suffered smoke & water damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.

                           Engine 2 was the only truck who could fit up this small side street

                                                Engine 2 charging the hydrant

                                          Smoke coming from the rear of the building

                                       Companies working at rear of building

Saturday Morning Rollover sends one to Boston Hospital

At 9:26AM Newton Fire, Police and Cataldo EMS Responded to 774 Commonwealth Avenue for a reported rollover with possible entrapment. On arrival companies reported a 2 car MVA with one rolled over and confirmed entrapment. Companies went to work extricating the victim. The victim was boarded and transported to Beth Israel Medical center in Boston with unknown injuries.

The accident remains under investigation by the Newton Police Department.

                                              Photo Courtesy of Steven Walsh

Gas Explosion in Downtown Springfield Levels Building, Injures 18

A Major Natural Gas Explosion in Downtown Springfield has injured several people this Friday tonight.

At 4:20PM Columbia Gas Co. Responded to 452 Worthington Street in Downtown Springfield for a strong odor of Natural Gas. Springfeild Police and Fire also responded to the scene. Gas readings reached explosive levels and the building was evacuated.

At 5:25PM just as companies were about to pack up and give the all clear the building at 452 Worthington Street EXPLODED. The massive explosion was felt for miles and several police and firefighters including gas company workers were blown back from the force of the explosion. Windows for several blcoks wrre blown out and shattered.

The Fire Chief imediatly struck a 2nd Alarm for additional manpower and requested all available EMS units in the city to respond. Mass State Police Responded to assist with preventing looting and the Air Wing Responded to the scene. Emergency workers began searching all area buildings and evacuating residents and buisinesses.

At this time the injuries which are all minor include......
9 Springfield Firefighters
2 Springfield Police Officers
1 Springfield Water Department Employee
4 Columbia Gas Company Workers
2 Civilians

Officials say the original building at 452 Worthing Street was a strip club, a 2-3 Story Brick Building which was leveled. 12 other buildings in surrounding area have significant damage.

The entire incident currently remains under investigation.

Fatal Fire Strikes Cambridge Triple Decker

At 12:34AM on Tuesday November 13th 2012 Cambridge began receiving several 911 calls reporting flames coming from the top floor of a structure at 294 Columbia Street. Box 297 was struck and companies reported heavy fire showing from the top floor of a 3 Story Wood Frame 25x75 with a report of someone trapped on the top floor.

Division 1 chief on arrival struck a 2nd Alarm to bring extra manpower to the fire. PD tried to search the building but had to pull back due to the heavy fire. Rescue 1 conducted a primary search on the top floor and found one vale victim already deceased. Companies stretched several lines and vented the roof knocking down the fire in 30 Minutes.

The body of the male was pulled from the building later and the Fire remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Fire Marshall's Office.

                                                 Photo by Mark Parkinson

Car Crashes Into House in Waltham

Just before 1:30AM on Sunday November 11th 2012 I heard a loud bang and crash from my house. When I looked out the window I saw a car into the side of my Neighbors house at 70 Maple Street in Waltham. I imediatley called 911 and then grabbed my camera and ran to the scene.

Waltham Police, C-2 (Deputy Quinn), Engine 1 & AMR Medic 1 Responded to the scene. Companies and EMT's backboarded the victim as a percaution and transported her to Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Deputy Chief Micheal Quinn requested Rescue 6 to respond to the scene as well as a Building inspector due to damage to the buildings foundation.

Companies worked for 90 Minutes cutting wood and shoring up the foundation of the two story house. The accident currently remains under investigation by the Waltham Police Department.

Hurricane Sandy Damage Waltham Update

As of 3:00PM Wednesday October 31st 2012 power restoration and clean up work continues after Hurricane Sandy in Waltham.

As of 3:00PM Wednesday 950 Customers in the city remain without power down from over 4,000 at the height of the storm with full restoration expected by Thursday Night.

The Following Roads are Still Blocked by Storm Damage:

27 Pine Vale Road Tree & Wires down Blocking Road

Rosewood Drive Tree Down in Roadway (Being Cleared as of 3:00PM 10/31)

Linden Street near Beaver Street Wires down in Roadway. Remains Closed

Chester Avenue remains Closed with Large Tree down, Pole Snapped and Wires down

Gilbert Road closed due to Tree & wires down in Roadway

Trapelo Road remains closed at Lincoln Town Line for storm damage

Brennan Street remains closed due to lines down (NSTAR On Scene Repairing)

                                    Storm Damage on Chester Avenue

Man Stuck By Bus In Waltham

At 2:06PM on Tuesday October 30th 2012 Waltham Police, Squad 5 & AMR Medic 1 responded to 625 Moody Street for the report of a MBTA Bus hitting a pedestrian.

While companies were enroute a call was received of the male party being unconscious and C-2 & AMR Ambulance 2 were added to the call. On arrival companies found a Male down next to an MBTA bus with the victim having a head injury. Firefighters & Medics collared and back boarded the victim. AMR Medic 1 transported the victim to Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

The accident is under investigation by the Waltham Police Department & MBTA Transit Police.

Hurricane Sandy Knocks out power to over 4,000 in Waltham and damages several buildings.

A major Hybrid Storm struck New England on Monday October 29th 2012. The storm battered the coastline and Southern Massachusetts Communities with near Hurricane Force (74 MPH +) Wind Gusts causing widespread power outages. The storm also produced Tropical Storm Force (39 MPH +) wind gusts throughout the rest of Southern New England causing scattered to widespread power outages. The coast line had moderate to major coastal flooding due to storm surge.

Waltham Emergency crews responded to 52 Wire/Tree down calls throughout the duration of the storm.

Around 6PM 25 Families were evacuated after the roof at 1105 Lexington Street blew off the Apartment building.

During the afternoon trees struck houses at 222 Worcester Lane, 74 Greenwood Lane and 510 Waverley Oaks Road.

There was reported damage to the roof at the Church at 730 Main Street.

Approx. 4,116 Customers were without power at the height of the storm.

 
                            Prospect Street under the Train Bridge Flooded

                   Waltham Firefighters Survey damage on Chester Avenue

                 NSTAR crew surveys damage on Chester Avenue

                          NSTAR crew working to restore power on South Street

                NSTAR crews expect to have all power back on by Thursday

Firefighters Rescue Two Occupants at Dorchester Apartment Fire

At 10PM on Saturday October 27th Box 3537 was struck for a reported building fire at 4-8 Theodore Street in Dorchester. On arrival companies reported heavy smoke and fire showing in the rear of a 3 Story Wood Frame, 6 Family Duplex.A 2nd Alarm was quickly sounded for more manpower.

Firefighters rescued 2 occupants from the building as several lines were stretched. On arrival of District 8 a 3rd Alarm was struck brining in additional companies. Several lines were stretched for an aggressive interior attack. During the fire Engine 24 reported a pump failure causing water issues for a short time. The fire was brought under control within 50 Minutes.

2 Occupants were transported to a Boston Hospital with unknown injuries. 2 Boston Firefighters were transported to Brigham & Womens Hospital after a Chimney Collapsed during the blaze. One has a reported broken wrist.

The fire originated in the rear first floor bedroom and is currently under investigation. The American Red Cross is assisting 28-30 People have been displaced by the fire that has caused an estimated $400,000 in Damage.

                                        Photo Taken by Steve MacDonald PIO
                                        of Boston Fire Department

Residents Jump for Life at 5 Alarm Fire in Allston

At 6:17AM on Sunday October 27th District 11 struck a box for 62 Quint Avenue for a reported building fire. Engine 41 & Ladder 14 had heavy fire showing on arrival from a 2.5 Story Wood Frame and quickly struck a 2nd Alarm.

As companies were throwing a 35' Ground ladder to the rear of the building an occupant decided they couldn't wait any longer and jumped landing on a Fire Lt. About 40 Minutes into the fire a 3rd Alarm was struck and all companies were ordered out of the building.

Once PAR was concluded Chief Dunbar struck a 4th Alarm and a aggressive exterior attack was established with several master streams and Ladder 11 & 14's Ladder Pipes. Fire had quickly engulfed all floors of the home and a collapse was now imminent causing command to establish collapse zones.

At 7:00AM as companies continued to pour water on the fire from all sides, Chief Dunbar struck a 5th Alarm. Companies would battle the fire for almost 3 Hours before finally bringing in under control.

Several people were transported by Boston EMS including 2 who jumped to safety & 3 people who were transported for smoke inhalation.

The Lieutenant from Ladder 14 was transported with a back-injury after the female who jumped from the top floor landed on him. 4 Firefighters were transported, 2 with Elbow injuries, 1 with debris in eyes and another with a back injury but all were treated and released.

9 People have been displaced by the fire that caused an estimated $650,000 in Damage. The fire remains under investigation.

                                      Photo Taken by Steve McDonald PIO
                                           of Boston Fire Department

Resident Injured in Lexington House Fire

At 4:00PM on Sunday September 30th Lexington fire Struck Box 5611 for a reported house fire at 95 Grove Street. While companies were enroute a call was received reporting a female occupant was handicapped and could not get out of the house. 

 C-3 arrived on scene and reported a Working structure Fire. The Shift Commander went to the back door and helped the female victim out of the house. EMS was requested immediately.

 Now that the occupant was out of the house firefighters could focus on battling the structure fire. Heavy smoke was coming from the 1st floor of a 1.5 Story Wood Frame Dwelling. Companies advanced a line through the front door and found hoarding conditions throughout the house. Despite the conditions in the house firefighters made quick work of Knocking down the fire. Companies would then spend the next few hours overhauling the house.

 The occupant was transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries. One firefighter was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Waltham, Hanscom & Burlington provided mutual aid at the scene and covering the stations during the fire. The fire remains under investigation at this time.

                                      Photo By George Robinson

Hit & Run Pedestrian Accident in Waltham Leaves Victim in Serious Condition

At 12:14AM on Sunday September 16th Waltham Police, C2, Squad 5 & American Medical Response Medic 1 responded to the intersection of Chestnut Street and Hall Street for a motor vehicle versus pedestrian accident. Before companies could even leave quarters another 911 call came in stating the victim was unconscious & American Medical Response Medic 4 was added to the response.

On arrival Police and Fire found a male in serious condition on the ground and the vehicle had fled the scene. Companies worked on the victim and packaged him for transport to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

The accident is currently under investigation by the Waltham Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team.

Sep 16th 5:25PM Update: Waltham Police are possibly looking for a Black Ford Mustang after a 18-Year old College student was struck by that car last night at Chestnut & Hall St while trying to cross. The victim who is expected to survive was transported to the BI Boston with head & shoulder injuries. The Waltham Police Department is asking for anyone who saw anything or knowns anything to call the Police Department.

Motorcycle Rider Taken to Boston Hospital After being Struck by Car

Around 7:15PM on Wednesday Evening September 12th Waltham Police, C2, Engine 1 & American Medical Response Medic 1 responded to the intersection of Adams Street & Spruce Street for a Motor Vehicle Accident involving a Motorcycle.

Police on arrival found a male down on the ground conscious & alert. Firefighters and Medics backboarded the victim and transported him to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

The accident remains under investigation by the Waltham Police Department.

Waltham Emergency Crews Rescue Victim from Charles River

Around 8:30PM on Tuesday Evening September 11th 2012 Waltham Police, C2, Squad 5 with the Moody Street Boat, Ladder 2 & Rescue 6 with the Central Boat along with American Medical Response Medic 2 responded to the Moody Street Bridge for the report of a victim in the water.

Police were the first ones on scene and reported the male was still above the water and hanging onto a wall. Police threw a rope out the victim and waited for Fire to arrive.

On arrival of Squad 5 Firefighters grabbed a 25' Ground ladder and threw it over the river bank and was able to bring the victim to shore. American Medical Response transported the victim to Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

Waltham Firefighters Make Quick Stop of House Fire

At 4:22PM on Saturday September 8th Waltham 911 center received a call for a building fire at 178 Forest Street. The Box was struck and C-2, Engine 2, Engine 3, Rescue 6 & Ladder Tower 1 responded.

Rescue 6 arrived on scene and reported smoke showing from a 1.5 Story Wood Frame Ranch. Engine 2 on arrival began stretching an attack line through the front door. Deputy Chief Thomas MacIniss arrived on scene and reported that the fire was in the attic and for Fire Alarm to transmit the Working Fire.

Engine 8 Responded as the Rapid Intervention Team and American Medical Response Medic 2 also responded. Companies stretched one line quickly knocking down the fire containing it to the attic. Companies would be tied up for several hours overhauling. No injuries were reported and the fire is Under Investigation.

Multi-Alarm Blaze In North End Seriously Injuries Resident, Leaves 13 More Homeless

Just after 11PM on Tuesday September 4th Boston Fire Alarm Struck Box 1212 for Multiple 911 Calls reporting a Building fire at 26 Cooper Street. Civilians nearby were helping two Female victims out of the 1st Floor windows as Ladder 1 called off with Heavy fire showing. The L.T on Ladder 1 immediately requested the 2nd Alarm as the fire was spreading rapidly throughout the 4 Story Brick Apartment Building.

Boston EMS was soon requested to the front of the building for a female with serious burns. 16 Minutes into the blaze as flames were roaring out of the windows on the upper floors the Deputy Chief requested the 3rd Alarm. After 26 Minutes on scene the flames had extended from the 1st Floor to the top floors and through through the roof.

At 11:36PM the Deputy called for a 4th Alarm and had all companies evacuate the roof of the original building as the flames were self venting. Minutes later all companies were ordered out of the building and defensive ops began with 6 Master Streams and Tower Ladder 17's Ladder Pipe.

                               Photo Courtesy of Steve MacDonald
                                          Twitter @BostonFire



Due to the outstanding work by the Boston Fire Department the blaze was declared knocked down just before Midnight. 100 Firefighters battled the blaze and then overhauled the building into the early morning hours. The Female burn victim was taken to Mass General with Serious Injuries. The fire remains under investigation. 13 Residents were displaced by the blaze that caused an estimated $1 Million in damage.

Firefighters Battle Stubborn Fire in Garbage Truck

Around 8AM on Tuesday September 4th Waltham Fire C-2, Engine 2 & Ladder Tower 1 responded to 78 Fourth Avenue for a reported recycling truck on fire. On arrival companies found no truck fire as the truck had left the area.

As companies were returning a 911 call came in saying the truck was now at 680 Lexington Street and on fire. C-2, Engine 7 & Ladder Tower 1 responded. Engine 7 on arrival found a garbage truck well involved. The Deputy chief on arrival requested an additional Engine company as Engine 7's 750 Gallon Tank was not going to do it for this fire.

Engine 8 was dispatched and upon arrival stretched a 4" feeder from a nearby hydrant into Engine 7. 2 Lines were stretched and companies began overhauling the trash inside the truck.

Companies contained damage to the rear area of the garbage truck. The driver escaped unharmed.

Quick Knockdown in Cambridge

Shortly after Noon time on Sunday September 2nd Cambridge Firefighters responded to a reported building fire at 44 Union Street. Police on arrival reported a fire on the 2nd floor deck and the occupants had extinguished most of the visible flames.

Companies on arrival reported smoke showing with a fire on 2nd Floor rear deck extended into the walls into the 2nd Floor of a 3.5 Story Wood Frame Dwelling. Companies quickly stretched lines knocking down the visible flames and containing it to the 2nd Floor.

No injuries were reported.

2 Alarm Fire in Malden Destroys Vacant House

Just after 2AM on Sunday September 2nd Malden 911 began receiving calls for a house fire on Williams Street. Police on arrival reported fire showing. The Deputy Chief arrived on scene and reported fire showing through the roof on the A/B corner of a 2.5 Story Vacant Wood Frame at 115 Williams Street.

The deputy immediately ordered a Working Fire and advised companies that this was on a dead end street and long hose lays would be needed. At 2:26AM after problems were discovered with multiple hydrants in the area a 2nd Alarm was ordered. 

2nd Alarm companies were advised to tag hydrants and bring in a good water supply. Later into the fire the roof collapsed. The fire was reported Knocked Down shortly after 3AM.

Mutial Aid was provided at the fire and to cover stations from Everett, Medford and several other departments.

Waltham Firefighters Battle Dumpster Fire

At 10:17PM on Thursday Night August 30th Waltham 911 dispatch received a call for a dumpster fire attached to the building at 880 Winter Street. Box 3567 was struck and C-2, Engine 4, Engine 7, Rescue 6 & Ladder 1 responded on the box.

Rescue 6 on arrival reported a fully involved 30 Yard dumpster near a building with no extension. Engine 7 on arrival stretched a line quickly knocking down the fire containing it to the dumpster. Companies overhauled the dumpster and returned to service within a half hour.

Double Stabbing in Waltham Apartment Building

Around 10:30AM on Wednesday August 29th Waltham Police, C-2, Engine 1 & Medic 1 responded to 89 Adams Street Apartment #13 for a reported stabbing. This is a well known building for me as I live nearby. C-2 was returning from a call and was nearby so they arrived on scene with the first due police cruiser.

More police cruisers responded to the scene as Engine 1 arrived. Firefighters and police officers found a victim with a stab wound to the leg and a 2nd victim with a stab wound to the arm. Ambulance 1 was added for the second stabbing victim.

As Medic 1 arrived on scene police began looking for the suspect who fled the scene in a car heading up Cherry Street towards Moody Street. One victim was transported by ALS to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with a stab wound to the leg and the other transported BLS to Newton-Wellesley with a stab wound to the arm. Both have non-life threatening injuries. The Waltham Police Department is investigating the incident and currently are searching for a person of interest.

5 Alarm Fire Destroys Triple Decker in Dorchester

At 11:12AM on Thursday August 15th Box 3483 was struck for a reported building fire at 5 Fairmount Street in Dorchester. Boston Fire District 8 arrived on scene and reported heavy smoke showing from a 3 Story Wood Frame with heavy fire in the basement.

Minutes later the fire began extending to the 1st Floor and a 2nd Alarm was transmitted. Moments later the fire began extending to the upper floors and all companies were ordered out of the building. Shortly after 12PM the district chief struck the 3rd & 4th Alarms. I decided to respond on the 4th Alarm. Companies set up several master streams and ladder pipes while Engine 16 used its deck gun.

I was 10 minutes away when the 5th Alarm was transmitted. As I arrived companies were hitting the fire from all sides with multiple master streams. For a time a line aimed at the rear porch missed the roof and soaked everyone on Fairmount Street. Companies soon shut down the lines and Ladder 6 climbed the stick to open up the cockloft with rakes. Flames wree showing from the front side for about 3 Minutes until Tower Ladder 17 knocked it down with its Ladder Pipe. Companies then began making up lines after the last remaining fire was knocked down.

The district chief requested 3 Engines and 2 Ladders for a detail watch. 3 Boston Firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries and 4 civilians were also treated. The Boston Fire Department is investigating the cause.

SUV vs House In Newton Sends One To Beth Israel In Boston

At 1:27AM Newton began recieving multiple 911 calls for a motor vehicle accident at 250 River Street. C-2, Engine 2, Ladder 1 & Medic 1 were dispatched. While companies were responding they were updated that the car had struck a house.

Engine 2 on arrival reported a car up against the house with the victim out on the grass. Companies backboardred the victim and transported her to Beth Israel Deconess Medical Center in Boston with an ankle injury. The Newton Police Department is investigating the incident.