Latest news with #MassachusettsDepartmentofFireServices
Time of India
14-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Massive fire at Massachusetts' Fall House assisted living facility, firefighter rescue several, call it 'mass casualty incident'
A massive fire broke out at an assisted living home in Fall River, Massachusetts, on Sunday (June 13) night with recusers expecting mass casualties. Firefighters rushed to douse the blaze at the Gabriel House, a 100 single-bed facility, on Oliver Street around 10 p.m. local time. Many of the residents at the the Gabriel House were rescued by the firefighter crew who broke open the windown to save those inside. The area was shrouded in thick smoke as the blaze engulfed the building. Massachusetts Department of Fire Services set up a help desk for families of those residing at Gabriel House. "The City of Fall River has set up a Notification Center for families whose loved ones were residents at Gabriel House. Anyone seeking info should go to the chapel at St. Anne's Hospital. Please enter through the Emergency Department. You may also call 508-674-5741," it posted on X. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo "Crews are operating at a working fire at the Gabriel House on Oliver Street. Companies arrived to find heavy fire showing and multiple rescues in progress. Please avoid the area as emergency operations continue," Fall River Firefighters posted on its Facebook page. The second update on Facebook stated, "Update Fall River. Command reports fire k/d. Extensive overhaul and secondary searches. MCI has been declared. Units will be tied up most of the night." MCI is a term used for mass casualty incident. Live Events A video post showed Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan was also at the scene besides ambulances ready to ytransport victims. While the total number of those inside the facility when the fire broke out is not clear, several people suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation. The victims were rushed to the hospital for further treatment and a medical triage set up on site. The fire department revealed help was sought from towns like Somerset, Swansea, and Portsmouth, and Rhode Island to assist the Fall River firefighters in combating the blaze. FAQs on Fall River, Massachusetts fire What is Gabriel House? Garbriel House is an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts. What are the amenities at Gabriel House? The facilty includes a spacious private studio apartment, heat, electricity, water, and basic cable, three meals daily, on-site staff 24 hours a day, advanced security monitoring system, weekly housekeeping, linen and personal laundry service, use of all community and recreation areas, complimentary transportation, activities onsite, devotional services offsite as well as hospice .
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
Illegal fireworks have caused over 200 serious injuries, 500 fires in Mass. in the last 5 years
The State Fire Marshal's Office is warning Massachusetts residents against indulging in illegal fireworks ahead of the July 4th holiday. Illegal fireworks have caused more than 200 serious injuries, over 500 fires and explosions and nearly $1 million in damages in Massachusetts alone over the past five years, the fire marshal's office said in a press release. Incidents involving illegal fireworks spike in number every year during the weeks before and after July 4, the fire marshal's office said. These incidents can draw firefighters and paramedics away from other emergencies in your community, Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association President Patrick Purcell said in the release. Additionally, state law mandates that police seize any illegal fireworks they find — even those that were purchased lawfully in another state and then transported to Massachusetts, the fire marshal's office said. People who use or possess fireworks illegally can be fined, while those who sell illegal fireworks can be sentenced to jail. 'They are illegal without licensing and certification because they are so dangerous. Please don't risk a fire, an injury or a day in court — leave fireworks to the professionals," State Fire Marshal Jon Davine said in the release. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services maintains a continuously updated list of permitted fireworks displays throughout the summer, the fire marshal's office said. To view the list and learn more about the dangers of illegal fireworks, visit the Fire Services Department's website. Mass. beach closures: These beaches are closed in Mass. on Monday, June 23 Kim Petras plays bangers at first-ever Boston OUTLOUD Music Festival (Photos) AIC's Josh Frometa sets record in Starfires' loss to Worcester in 3rd Summer Classic Trixie Mattel flaunts DJ skills at inaugural Boston OUTLOUD Music Festival (Photos) Motorcyclist accused of pointing gun at driver in Hingham road rage incident Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Do you plan on grilling this Memorial Day weekend? Here's some fire safety tips
STOW, Mass. (WWLP) – Fire officials are reminding residents of fire safety as Memorial Day weekend approaches. LIST: Community events to honor fallen veterans on Memorial Day The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services states that Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, so they are asking residents to practice outdoor fire safety in the weeks and months ahead. 'As the weather gets warmer and we start spending more time outside, outdoor fires also start to increase,' State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said. 'Unfortunately, many of these fires cause serious injuries and property damage – but almost all of them can be prevented.' Around two-thirds of grilling fires in Massachusetts take place between May and August, and around 75 percent of them take place on residential properties. Most tend to have cookouts with family and friends for Memorial Day, so if you are using a gas or charcoal grill, remember the following: Always grill outdoors, never inside. A burning grill should always be attended by an adult. Never use a gas or charcoal grill on a porch, balcony, or fire escape. Place grills at least 10 feet away from buildings and deck railings. Make sure grills are not under eaves or overhanging branches. Gas grills may be used on first floor decks or patios only if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or it is at ground level. Always keep matches, lighters, and lighter fluid away from children. Create a three-foot 'circle of safety' around grills. Keep children and pets at least three feet away on all sides. If you are using a gas grill, remember to open the lid before you light it to avoid the ignition of built-up propane. If you smell gas while you are cooking, turn off the grill, move away, and call 911 from a safe location. Don't move the grill, always turn off the burners, and close the propane cylinder when you're done cooking. If you are cooking with a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid, and do not use gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill, because you never want to add any flammable liquid to burning briquettes or hot coals. Allow all of the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposing of them. If you must get rid of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container. It is important to note that outdoor burning is prohibited in Massachusetts from May 1 to January 15. Regulations allow exceptions for fires that are used for cooking, however, local fire chiefs and municipalities may prohibit or impose additional restrictions on these fires, including fire pits and chimineas. Even where it's allowed, an adult must always be present with the tools necessary to put out such a fire immediately because of the inherent risk. Brush and building fires in Agawam, Florida, Goshen, and Haverhill recently all started with fire pits that were unattended or improperly used. Any burning that creates a problem, a condition of air pollution, or a hazard to others is always prohibited. Serious gasoline-related burns are high in the summer months, with about 40 percent reported from June through August. It's important to always be cautious when using gasoline, especially in the area of any heat source: Gasoline should only be used as fuel for an engine, not as a solvent. Never use gasoline to start a fire or add it to any fire. Store gasoline only outside the home, such as in a locked shed, and always in an approved container. Never store gasoline in the home or basement. Refuel lawnmowers, leaf blowers, mopeds, and other devices only when the engine is cool. Never refill while it is hot. Keep gasoline away from all heat sources, such as smoking materials, campfires, and grills. Smoking materials have been the leading cause of fire deaths in Massachusetts for decades now, and not properly discarding cigarette butts are a common factor in building fires that start on porches and nearby dry vegetation. Mulch is prone to combustion caused by careless smoking. Smoking fires are also dangerous because they may smolder undetected and then go up into flames that grow rapidly. A fire that starts on a porch, balcony, or exterior stairway can extend to the home before smoke alarms inside detect it and alert you to the danger. 'If you still smoke, or if you have guests who do, please do it responsibly,' said State Fire Marshal Davine. 'Always use a deep, sturdy ashtray or a can with sand or water. Don't toss smoking materials into the mulch, leaves, grass, or planters, and don't stub them out on the porch railing or stairs. Remember to put it out, all the way, every time.' Most outdoor fires are caused by our behavior. In the warm, dry weather expected Sunday and Monday, these fires may spread to dangerous sizes and require multiple firefighting resources to contain and put out. Because about 50 percent of Massachusetts homes are in Wildland-Urban Interface or Intermix zones, outdoor fires can easily threaten people and property. Practice fire safety with grills, flammable liquids, smoking materials, and power equipment. Before setting up a campfire, be sure it is permitted by checking with the local fire department. Clear away dry leaves and sticks and overhanging low branches and shrubs. Keep campfires small so they are easier to control and attend to them at all times. Always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire. Make sure your campfire is out cold before leaving. If using an ATV, dirt bike, or other off-road vehicle, be sure the spark arrestor is properly installed, as required by Massachusetts law. Don't park a vehicle or power equipment such as a lawnmower on or near dry vegetation. A hot engine or exhaust can ignite dry grass, leaves, or debris. 'We saw last fall just how quickly brush and wildland fires can grow to sizes that require a large response by local and regional fire departments,' said State Fire Marshal Davine. 'These fires strain our resources and make it harder to respond to other emergencies. If you see an outdoor fire, please call 911 to report it as soon as possible.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Amherst fire received funding for new gear and safety education
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – The Amherst Fire Department has been awarded $22,090 in grants to support firefighter gear and education. The department says they will use the funds to replace about 30 face pieces for their self-contained breathing apparatuses. The money awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services will also go towards safety education for local youth and seniors. Brush fire spreads to Amherst home in dry weather 'This grant will enable the Fire Department to replace critical life safety equipment for our firefighters now, eliminating the need to wait for future Town capital expenses and alleviating pressure on the Town's capital budget,' said Amherst Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren. In addition, the department was awarded funding over the past year to update equipment and implement safety programs, which include the following: FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant – $297,090 MEMA Emergency Management Performance Grant (FY24) – $9,500 Earmark Funding from State Representative Mindy Domb– $125,000 Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant (FY24) – $24,525 Massachusetts DFS Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant (FY25, Round 1) – $25,000 Massachusetts DFS Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant (FY25, Round 2) – $12,292 Massachusetts DFS SAFE Grant – $7,200 Massachusetts DFS Senior SAFE Grant – $2,598.50 'Our SAFE and Senior SAFE programs put firefighters in our primary schools and in our Senior Center to build relationships with the community and teach valuable fire safety lessons to some of our vulnerable populations,' said Chief Stromgren. These grants enable us to continue to provide this valuable public service, which we would not be able to do within our regular operational budget.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
