Two-Alarm Fire Quickly Controlled at Abandoned Building in Waltham
Photo by PETER LOBO
Photo by PETER LOBO
Photo by PETER LOBO
Photo by PETER LOBO
Photo by PETER LOBO
WALTHAM, MA - A woman called Waltham's 911 center on April 2nd to report a building fire on the Fernald School property, which is a large 140-acre piece of property with many abandoned buildings. Waltham Fire dispatched Engines 2, 3 (RIT), and 8, along with Rescue 1, Tower 1 and Medic 1.
Engine 8 was first on the property and had to find the fire, which was in an abandoned boarded up chapel with fire and smoke showing. Hydrants on this property are limited, however, Engine 2 was able to take a hydrant and feed Engine 8, which was fairly close to the fire.
Deputy Chief Brock Rowland immediately transmitted a second-alarm, which brought Engine 1, Squad 5, Engine 7, Ladder 2 and Medic 2 to the scene. The fire was brought under control in a little over an hour.
What was of help was that Waltham Fire has conducted numerous training exercises on this property. The State Fire Marshal was also brought in. This was the second multiple-alarm fire on this property in the last three months.