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Headlines
07/30/10
Hydrant Testing Begins August 1st
The Waltham Fire Department will begin its annual testing of city fire hydrants Sunday, August 1, 2010. In-service engine companies will be checking hydrants to make sure they operate properly. The routine test determines if the hydrant has suffered any physical damage, if it has a proper water supply and if it drains correctly. Companies only briefly flow water to determine pressure readings. The firefighters do not flow large quanties of water during these tests and they do not flush the hydrants.
Our hydrant testing is a critical program performed every year to ensure that all of the city's fire hydrants are operational for fire fighting purposes and will help protect the citizens and firefighters in the event they are needed during an emergency. On occassion, the performance of this test can cause sediment in the water pipes to move and result in a temporary appearance of "rusty" water. When citizens see fire trucks in their neighborhood conducting these tests - they should check their water before doing laundry or drinking tap water. If citizens notice that the water has become discolored - they should run the bathtub faucet or shower for several minutes after the fire companies complete testing until clean water returns.
06/01/10
New Floor Finishing Regulations Take Effect June 1
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Waltham Fire Department Fire Chief Richard Cardillo want to alert the public that starting June 1, 2010 when using certain flammable liquids to finish wood floors, the fire department must be notified and in buildings with more than four units, a permit must be obtained first.
Chief Cardillo said, "Over the past several years there have been several tragic fires stemming from the many fire hazards that the floor finishing process poses. Cardillo said, "Newly revised regulations now address the many different fire hazards of floor finishing - improper electrical hook-ups, the storage of waste materials, and dust explosion hazards, as well as the application of flammable liquids."
These regulations were put in place in response to a series of tragic accidents associated with floor finishing. In September 2004, a Somerville explosion and fire in a triple-decker caused the deaths of two workers, injured two workers and four firefighters. It is believed that vapors from the flammable liquids were ignited by the pilot light on the gas water heater. In July 2005, a 43-year old man was part of a floor sanding crew that was refinishing the hardwood floors in a Hull single-family home. Once again, fumes from the sealant came in contact with the pilot of the gas water heater causing an explosion and the ensuing fire.
Highlights of the New Regulation
Permit and Notice to Fire Department Required
The previous regulations applied only to bowling alleys, but have been amended to address the fire hazards of wood floor sanding, finishing or refinishing in all occupancies. Starting June 1, 2010, a fire department permit will be required when certain flammable liquids are going to be used in floor finishing in buildings with more than four units. In buildings with four or fewer units, the fire department must be notified prior to the start of work.
Preventing Flammable Liquid Fires
The regulations require the removal of ignition sources such as pilot lights prior to the application of finishing products considered flammable liquids until the product has dried. It also prohibits using flammable liquids when direct ventilation of the space to the outside is not possible. The new regulation also requires posting warning signs in buildings with more than one dwelling unit when flammable liquids are used in floor finishing.
Preventing Electrical Fires
It reinforces the fact that the Massachusetts Electrical Code requires an electrical wiring permit when connecting equipment directly to an electrical panel. Some floor refinishing equipment use larger amounts of electricity than home outlets typically provide, so the equipment is often connected directly to the electrical panel in violation of the code. This poses a fire risk and bypasses the normal circuit protection in electrical systems.
Preventing Fires From Dust and Rags
The regulations also address the safe storage of flammable and combustible products and waste materials. There have been many fires started by the spontaneous combustion of the dust from floor sanding put into airtight bags and from rags soaked in combustible and flammable liquids. Some floor finishing products such as linseed oil are considered combustible but not flammable. Rags soaked in combustible chemicals still pose a serious fire risk if not properly handled. The regulations require use of a metal waste can with a self-closing cover for all waste products including wood dust and rags. The can must be removed from the building daily and the materials disposed of properly.
On February 9, 2010, an historic octagonal house in Holyoke was severely damaged when a barrel full of sawdust from wooden floor refinishing ignited.
Consider Less Dangerous Alternatives
Use of water-based or non-flammable floor refinishing products does not require notification to or a permit from the fire department. Whether homeowners are doing the work themselves or hiring a contractor, it is important to consider the fire safety aspects of the materials being used. Cheaper products or services and faster drying time associated with flammable finishes can cost more in the long run if there is an explosion or fire.
05/04/10
GOVERNOR LIFTS BOIL WATER ORDER -- May 4, 2010 The Governor has lifted the manadatory boil water order for MWRA customers which includes Waltham. Crews repaired the major water main break on Sunday and the MWRA has conducted extensive testing since then to ensure water being delievered now meets all quality standards. This means residents can now use their domestic water for all normal uses including consumption. However, residents must FIRST FLUSH WATER SYSTEMS to ensure removal of any untreated water. Visit these websites for the latest information and instructions on how to flush your water system: www.mass.gov and www.mwra.state.ma.us/
05/01/10
MANDATORY BOIL WATER ORDER -- WATER EMERGENCY - May 1, 2010 Due to a major water main break in the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water delivery system the Governor has issued a State of Emergency that includes Waltham and most other communities served by the MWRA east of Weston, MA and a mandatory boil water order. Residents are instructed to boil their water for at least 1 minute after coming to a full boil and then let cool before consuming or using to brush teeth. Domestic water can still be used for flushing toilets, watering lawns and fire protection. However, residents are urged to scale back their water usage. Visit these websites for the latest information: www.mass.gov and www.mwra.state.ma.us/
09/02/09
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today joined with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate and the Ad Council to launch a new series of Ready Campaign public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to encourage all Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies, kicking off September's National Preparedness Month.
Read Entire Press Release
01/22/08
Framingham, Mass. - The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Council of Massachusetts United Ways (COMUW) have agreed to utilize Mass2-1-1 as the Commonwealth's primary telephone information call center during times of emergency. The easy to remember 2-1-1 telephone number will be utilized as a resource for human service and public safety/disaster response and planning agencies. It was designed, in part, to reduce the number of non-emergency calls made to 9-1-1.
Read Entire Press Release
07/19/07
Waltham, Mass. - State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo announced that the July 15 fire at 470 Main Street, Waltham started in the basement of the Sal's Restaurant. The area of origin was underneath the take-out counter. Investigators believe the most probable cause was either an electrical malfunction or a natural gas leak, which could have been ignited by several possible sources in the basement. The damage at the point of origin makes it impossible for further forensic testing to rule out one or the other possible ignition scenario. The investigative team has found no evidence to suggest the fire was intentionally set.
Read Entire Press Release
07/16/07
Waltham, Mass. - The Waltham Fire Department continues to work with the State Fire Marshal's office and ATF to find a cause of the 4-alarm fire at 470 Main Street that destroyed two businesses and injured five firefighters Sunday morning. Fire conditions on Sunday and the amount of debris in the remains of the building had blocked access to key investigation areas. A crane arrived today to help investigators remove and sift through debris in the building.
Read Entire WFD Press Release
07/15/07
Waltham, Mass. - The Waltham Fire Department battled a 4-alarm fire at 470 Main Street on Sunday morning that destroyed two businesses and injured five firefighters. Waltham Fire received the initial fire alarm at 5:33 am and the response quickly grew to four alarms as part of the first floor collapsed causing two firefighters to fall into the basement, which was involved with fire. Firefighters on scene quickly rescued the two firefighters and pulled them to safety. Those two firefighters and one of the rescuers were treated for minor injuries and released from Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Two other firefighters sustained minor injuries while fighting the fire. No civilians were in the building or hurt during the fire.
Read Entire WFD Press Release
07/13/07
Waltham, MA - The Waltham Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Richard Cardillo, will conduct hydrant inspections throughout the city July 22 through August 18, 2007. Chief Cardillo recommends that all persons who may use water for cooking, drinking or laundering during this period run their faucets until their water is free of rust. He advises citizens to watch for fire engines in their neighborhood as a sign that hydrant testing is in progess.
Read Entire WFD Press Release
07/07/07
Waltham, MA - The Waltham Fire Department announces the retirement of its most senior member, Lt. William Kresser. Hired on April 6, 1969, Lt. Kresser completes more than 38 years of service with the department and the City of Waltham when he serves his final shift Saturday, July 7, 2007. Lt. Kresser ends his career serving on Engine Company 1 out of Moody Street Station, the city's oldest firefighting company.
Read Entire WFD Press Release; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Mon. July 09, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff
Photos of Lt. Kresser's Last Shift Submitted by Rick Mitchell, Courtsey of Waltham Firefighters Welfare & Relief
Lt. William Kresser stands beside his Fire Engine, Engine 1.
Lt. Kresser holds honorary plaque surrounded by his fellow firefighters.
06/07/07
Waltham -A science experiment gone wrong sent one Brandeis police officer to hospital last night after a fire broke out in a university science laboratory at the school's South Street campus.
According to Fire Department Deputy Chief Michael Quinn, a group of students was conducting an experiment when an electrical short in a piece of equipment ignited silicone oil, causing the fire.
Waltham firefighters and police officers were called to the school just after 8 last night to extinguish the fire and evacuated and ventilated the building.
During the fire, one Brandeis police officer suffered from smoke and chemical vapor inhalation and was taken to Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
Quinn said a group of students and one assistant professor were working on the experiment at the time of the fire.
"The fire was contained to the workstation," he said. "Four trucks responded along with the shift commander. The building was evacuated and ventilated."
Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jun 07, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff
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