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photos by Bill Cahil and Douglas J. Cook
Four Alarm Fire at a Commercial Building Littleton Road
August 2010- The Westford Fire Department responded to a structure fire August 17, 2010 that quickly would sound 4 alarms. A 911 call was received approximately 11:22 PM that the building at 187 Littleton Road was on fire. First arriving units reported heavy fire through the roof and struck a 2nd alarm. Firefighters were hampered with water supply as one of the closets hydrants was found to be inoperable. Firefighters quickly adapted and overcame the obstacle by selecting other hydrants in the area. The
building was an older structure built in the late 70’s and did not have a sprinkler system or a fire alarm system so fire was able to go unnoticed for a period of time. Mutual Aid would play an important role in bringing the fire under control. Mutual aid companies brought to the scene, Ayer, Acton, Groton, Chelmsford, Littleton, Lowell and Tyngsboro while Carlisle and Lowell covered Westford Fire Stations. The fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshals Office for cause and determination.
Westford Fire Now Providing Advanced Life Support Services
August 2010- The Westford Fire Department has long sustained ambulance service and now is excited to expand their services to the Advance Life Support with a paramedic program. An introductory ceremony was held on August 3rd, 2010 during which Chief Rochon announced that after long months of hard work by many people both within the Department and the State, Westford Ambulance Service will now begin to provide Advance Life Support, as the Massachusetts State Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) granted the Westford Fire
Department an ALS level license. The Advance Life Support paramedic program will bring the emergency room right to the doorstep of patients who need medical intervention. Chief Rochon stated “This is an exciting time for our department and we look forward to new challenges and working with Lowell General Hospital. More importantly, our department is moving forward to provide the best medical services we can offer to the Town of Westford.”
Two People Med Flighted From Accident on 495
August 2010- Firefighter/EMTs responded to a motor vehicle accident on Route 495 north behind the Westford Post Office for a roll over vehicle accident with injuries. Two patients were treated on scene and were transported to U-Mass Medical Center in Worcester by medical helicopters provided by U-Mass Memorial and Boston Med Flight do to their injuries.
Firefighters Battle Hay Field Fire
June 2010- Firefighters battled a large hay field fire off of Old Lowell Road. The field burned about an acre, bringing Firefighters from all companies and a mutual aide Engine from Littleton. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control fairly quickly, but the field required extensive overhaul.
One Seriously Hurt in Motorcycle Accident on 495
May 2010- Firefighter/EMTs responded to a motorcycle accident on Route 495 northbound after a motorcycle lost air in its back tire and lost control. Command on scene requested a MedFlight Helicopter, but do to the smoke hovering over the area from the Canadian wildland fires, the helicopter was unable to fly. Two people were transported to Lahey Clinic, one with a serious injury.
Canadian Brush Fires Leaves Smoke Over Westford
May 2010- Firefighters responded to several calls by concerned residents over the Memorial Day weekend to investigate smoke in the area in various parts of town. The smokey haze hung over Westford and several New England communities prompting smoke investigations. The smoke was attributed to 50 out of control wildland fires in Canada that were going at the time. The smoke was carried by the wind to our area causing the smoke through out Westford.
Westford's New Engine in Service
May 2010- As of 08:00 on May 22, 2010, Westford Fire Department placed its new fire engine in service. Back at town meeting in 2009 the towns people voted to approve the funding for a new engine to replace and older model the department had been running. In early May the new truck arrived in town. It is a 2010 KME Predator. It made it debut to the towns people at the Apple Blossom Parade on May 15th. After extensive training on this new piece of equipment it was placed in service. It will be called Engine 1 running out of the Center station. Engine 8 was
redesignated Engine 3 and is now running out of Forge Village station. The old Engine 1 was redesignated Engine 2. The Westford Fire Department would like to thank the towns people for their continued support of their fire department and this excellent addition to the towns fleet of firefighting apparatus. The Westford Fire Department would also like to thank the tireless efforts of Captain Steve Ducharme, Firefighter/Mechanic Shawn Ricard, and Bulldog Fire Apparatus who made it all come together.
Firefighters Knock Down Nighttime Brush Fire
May 2010- Firefighters responded to reports of smoke in the area of Farmers Way around 7pm on May 7th. Firefighter's discovered smoke pluming out of the woods in East Boston Camps and walked in about a mile to discover a brush fire burning about an acre+. Access to the area was very difficult, especially in order to get water to the fire as well as the increasing darkness as night set in. All stations were utilized to fight the fire. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control and were able to clear around
midnight.
Car vs Pole
April 2010- On April 30, 2010, Westford Fire Alarm received a report of an MVA on Acton Rd. On arrival crews found a single car MVA into a pole with significant front end damage. Only one patient was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Fire Dept. Responds to Rain Storms
March/April 2010- Firefighters responded to over 90 flooded basements during the past few rain storms that hit the state this month. Firefighters set up sump pumps in homes to help rid homeowner's basements of water until homeowner's were able to get out and get pumps of their own or to assist already existing pumps that just couldn't keep up with the water flow. Many homes effected were homes that have never flooded before, but do to the record setting rains, flooding was inevitable.
Car Fires on Broadway Street
March 2010- Firefighters responded to the reports of a vehicle fire on Broadway Street on March 17. Ambulance 10 was in the area and first on scene, reported a fully involved car fire behind the building. The fire spread to a vehicle next to it as well as the tire of a construction vehicle on the other side. Fire crews were able to knock down the fire within a short time. No injuries reported.
Engine 1, Ambulance 10, and Car 3 responded to the scene.
New Fire Prevention Regulations
March 2010- There are new significant changes to the current Fire Code which may apply to you. For more information on these updates, please click on the following links:
Chimney Fire Extends to Attic
February 2010- On the evening of February 13, Westford Fire Alarm received a report of a chimney fire on Moore Ave. Upon arrival, Engine 4 found smoke coming from front door and eaves from a one and half story, single family, wood frame house. A hose line was pulled and Firefighters advanced a hose line into the house. Firefighters found heavy smoke condition with fire still in fireplace and after pulling ceilings in the living room, they also found fire through out the attic area of the house. Command requested the Ambulance to
the scene for two occupants with possible smoke inhalation. Fire Crews made a quick knockdown and were able to contain the fire to that portion of the house. No one was transported to the hospital and no Firefighter injuries were reported. Engine 8, Engine 4, Engine 1 and Ambulance 10 responded to the scene. Littleton Fire covered the center station during the incident.
Car Fire on I-495
January 2010- On the evening of January 6, Westford Fire Alarm received a report of a car fire on I-495. When fire companies arrived on scene, they found a vehicle with heavy fire in the engine compartment. Crews made a quick knockdown and prevented further extension to the rest of the vehicle.
Snowmobile Fire
January 2010- On the afternoon of January 2, Westford Fire Alarm received a report of a snowmobile that was on fire near a shed. Engine 4 was first on scene to find a snowmobile heavily involved. Crews made a quick knockdown and prevented any further damage to the shed that was near the fire. Crews remained on scene for about a half hour.
Head On Crash Sends 3 to Hospital
January 2010- In the late afternoon of January 2, Westford Fire Alarm received a report of a motor vehicle accident on Oak Hill Rd. Westford Firefighters responded and found a two car head on collision with multiple injured people involved. A Littleton Ambulance was immediately called for assistance to the scene as well as both Westford Fire Ambulances and a Lowell Paramedic Unit. Three people were transported with injuries to area hospitals.
Early Morning Garage Fire
October 2009- In the early morning of October 17, Westford Fire Alarm received a report of a structure fire on Long Sought For Pond Rd. Engine 4 was first on scene and reported a two story home with an attached garage with heavy smoke showing from the garage. Crews found moderate fire in the back of the garage. Command requested an all group recall and a mutual aid engine to cover the central station. Crews made a quick knockdown but had extensive overhaul. Fortunately the fire was contained to the garage and did not extend into the residence. Units were
on scene for about two and a half hours. No injuries were reported, the cause is still under investigation but does not appear to be suspicious.
Firefighters Extinguish Chimney Fire
September 2009- On the afternoon of September 14th, Westford Fire Alarm received a report of a structure fire on Tadmuck Rd. Westford Firefighters responded and found smoke and fire showing from the rear of a residence in the area of the chimney. Companies were able to contain the fire to the area of origin. Crews were on scene for a while checking for further extension and extinguishing the chimney fire itself. Due
to the situation, command recalled a group and brought in a mutual aid engine to cover the town in case another call came in. All companies were on scene for just over an hour.
Head On Crash Sends 6 to Area Hospitals
September 2009- On the afternoon of September 6th, Westford Fire Alarm received reports of a motor vehicle crash on Boston Road at Crown Road with injuries. Westford Firefighters responded and found a two car head on collision with multiple injured people involved. Littleton Ambulances were immediately called for assistance to the scene as well as both Westford Fire Ambulances. Six people were transported with minor injuries to area hospitals.
Crash on I-495 Claims Two Lives
August 2009- In the early morning of August 26, Westford Fire Alarm started receiving reports of a multiple car motor vehicle accident on I-495 in both directions in the area of Boston Rd exit. Westford Firefighters arrived on scene to find a four car crash that was spread over the north and south bound lanes. Westford firefighters, along with Littleton Fire, worked for about 45 minutes to extricate two victims from one vehicle that were heavily entrapped. Crews from Westford, Littleton, both Lowell paramedic units, Emerson Hospital paramedic unit worked
vigorously to treat a total of 4 victims. Medflight and UMASS Lifefight were also requested, but both were canceled. All the victims were transported to either Lowell General Hospital or Emerson Hospital in Concord. Subsequently both victims that were heavily entrapped passed away at the hospital.
Westford Fire Department Promotions
from left to right: Captain James Barrett, Lt. David O'Keefe, Lt Donald Parsons
August 2009- On August 10, 2009 three members of the Fire Department were promoted to new ranks. With the retirement of Fire Captain Daniel O'Donnell, the department started the process to fill his long held position. After several candidates took a written exam and went through two interviews, the Chief of the Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Lt. James Barrett to the rank of captain, Firefighter
David O'Keefe to the rank of Lieutenant, and Firefighter Donald Parsons, Westford's Fire Prevention Officer, to the rank of Lieutenant of Fire Prevention. The Westford Firefighters would like to congratulate these three on their promotions and good luck in their newly appointed ranks.
Fatal Tractor Trailer vs Pedestrian
July 2009- On the morning of July 17, Westford Fire Alarm received a report of a motor vehicle accident on I-495 southbound north of Boston Rd. Once on scene command determined it to be a tractor trailer had struck a pedestrian. Command immediately requested Medflight to land on the highway. Paramedics from Lowell were also request on the initial dispatch. Once Medflight landed and evaluated the patient, it was determined the
patient was not stable enough to fly and was then ground transported to Lowell General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
MVA Shuts Down I-495
July 2009- In the early afternoon of July 11, Westford Fire Alarm received a report of a truck with a camper in tow rolled over on I-495 northbound. On the companies arrival they found a pickup truck on its roof and the camper it was towing on its side across all three lanes of the highway. EMS transported 2 patient to local hospital.
Early Morning Building Fire
June 2009- In the early morning of June 26, Westford Fire Alarm received a report of a possible building fire on Stony Brook Rd. On the companies arrival they found a heavy smoke condition on the second floor. After investigating, fire was found in the area of a heating unit. The fire was quickly extinguished and contained to the area of origin. Crews were on scene for an approximate hour and a half.
Westford Firefighters Pipes and Drums at the Apple Blossom Parade
May 2009- Under the direction of Pipe Major Bill Cashman, the Westford Firefighters Pipes and Drums made its first parade debut on May 16th 2009 at the 41st Apple Blossom Parade.
Car vs Building
May 2009- Firefighter/EMT's were dispatched for a report of a car vs building. On arrival crews found a car had struck one of the supports at the entrance to the club house. Crews treated and transported one patient to a local hospital.
Congratulations FF/EMT James Sheridan
May 2009- The Town of Westford and the Westford Fire Department would like to congratulate James "Jim" Sheridan on a happy retirement. Jim was a Vietnam Veteran who joined the Westford Fire Department on December 7, 1987 as a call FF/EMT, being assigned to Nabnassett Station 4. Jim was promoted on September 1, 1998 to call Lieutenant, and on September 13, 1999 was appointed to full time Firefighter. Jim was a member of the Honor Guard and a dedicated firefighter instructor to the Westford Recruit Training classes. Jim completed his final tour
of duty for the Town of Westford on April 11, 2009. The Town of Westford and the Westford Fire Department extends its Congratulations to Firefighter Jim Sheridan in his retirement after 22 years of dedicated service to the Town of Westford Fire Department and extends best wishes for continued success.
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