Blackstone, MA — January 16th — While Bellingham crews worked at a structure fire in their town, Engine 2 of Blackstone Professional Firefighters Local 4139 provided station coverage at Bellingham Fire Station 1. While resources were allocated to the ongoing crisis, the assignment guaranteed Bellingham residents continuing fire and EMS protection.

Station coverage enables nearby departments to remain prepared throughout prolonged operations and is a standard component of regional mutual aid. Firefighters from Blackstone manned the equipment and were on hand to respond to any further calls that might have come up during the coverage period. Coordinated coverage, according to officials, promotes safe operations for workers handling significant situations and helps close response gaps. Until Bellingham units could return to quarters and resume regular operations, Engine 2 remained on assignment.