Fire

Winthrop Police and Fire Respond to Single-Vehicle Crash

Leah Comins Fire, Police
Winthrop Police and Fire Respond to Single-Vehicle Crash

WINTHROP 一 Police Chief Terence M. Delehanty and Fire Chief Scott Wiley report that the Winthrop Police and Fire Departments responded to a single-vehicle crash Wednesday night.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., Winthrop Police and Fire were dispatched to the area of Pleasant Street and Pauline Street for a report of a single-vehicle crash.

Upon arrival, first responders found that the vehicle had hit a telephone pole and traffic signal before coming to rest against a stone wall. Bystanders, including an off-duty Massachusetts State Police Trooper, had pulled the driver, a man believed to be approximately 60 years old, from the vehicle and initiated CPR.

The man was transported by ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital. His condition is unknown at this time. There was no one else in the vehicle.

The crash is under investigation by the Winthrop Police Department, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. An initial investigation indicates that the man may have suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash.

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Winthrop Fire Department Offers Fire Pit Safety Tips Ahead of Summer

Kayla Rochon Fire

WINTHROP – Chief Scott Wiley and the Winthrop Fire Department would like to provide safety tips for grilling and fire pit use as warmer weather approaches.

The Winthrop Fire Department would like to remind residents of fire pit and outdoor grill safety, as the start of summer and outdoor gatherings are expected to take place.

Chief Wiley would like to share the following safety tips provided by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

  • Make sure the fire and/or smoke does not pose a hazard to any property
  • Smoke from the fire should not create a nuisance or health hazard in the neighborhood
  • Only ordinary and dry firewood can be burned in an outdoor fireplace or fire pit
  • No construction debris, leaves, hazardous waste, or chemicals may be burned at any time
  • Ensure that your fire pit is on a non-combustible surface at grade level (i.e. not on a deck) and is not under any type of overhang, roof or canopy
  • A water supply or fire extinguisher capable of extinguishing the fire is within 75 feet of the fire pit or outdoor fireplace
  • Common sense must be used (i.e. a competent adult must be in attendance) The hot fire pit should always be considered a hazard to curious children, hot embers routinely are sent into the air from these fireplaces, a screen should be in place to prevent the embers from igniting nearby guests or combustibles
  • Make sure the fire is completely extinguished/put out before going inside
  • Never leave an open fire unattended

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane) Grills

According to Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations, 527 CMR Section 6.07: (5), States: “Storage or use of LP-Gas containers above the first floor of a building used for habitation is prohibited.”

  • Never leave a burning grill unattended.
  • Make sure that the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, turn off and get away from the grill. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
  • Always turn off the burners and close the propane cylinder when you are done cooking.
  • Keep all propane outdoors, at least 10 feet away from building openings such as doors, windows and dryer vents, and 20 feet away from air intake vents and ignition sources.
  • Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
  • Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
  • Replace propane cylinders that are old, rusty, or showing any other signs of disrepair.

Grills or Live Fire on Porches and Decks

  • Always grill outdoors.
  • Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).
  • Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.
  • Grills must be 10 feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches.
  • Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.
  • Place grills away from the house and deck railings.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from grills. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders. Keep all matches, lighters and lighter fluid away from children.

The Winthrop Fire Department would like to emphasize that outside fires on public beaches are prohibited. Residents should also be mindful of wind currents when burning and only burn when air quality is acceptable.

Stay up-to-date on burning regulations by contacting the Winthrop Fire Department on their non-emergency line at 617-846-3474.

In case of emergency if the smoke/fire from your fire pit or grill is growing at a rapid rate, or you need assistance extinguishing the flames do not hesitate to call 911.

 

If the fire department responds to any house for any type of outside fire, they have the right to order any fire be extinguished at the fire officer’s discretion.

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Winthrop Police Announce Parking Ban and Closure of Flood Gates at Short Beach Ahead of Expected Winter Storm

jgprstaff Fire, Police, Uncategorized
Winthrop Police Announce Parking Ban and Closure of Flood Gates at Short Beach Ahead of Expected Winter Storm

WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty and the Winthrop Police Department wish to share important information ahead of this weekend’s expected storm.

At this time, the National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Suffolk County, including the Town of Winthrop, for Saturday, Jan. 29. Snow accumulations of as many as 18-24 inches are possible, with wind gusts potentially approaching 60 miles per hour. Motorists are urged to stay off the roads and avoid travel if possible.

Residents are advised that a parking ban will be in effect from Friday, Jan. 28, at 10 p.m. until further notice due to the predicted storm. According to a town ordinance in effect until May 1, all motor vehicles must be removed from town streets upon the announcement of an expected or impending snowstorm. Vehicles that are found to be in violation of the parking ban may be towed and the vehicle owner could receive a ticket. 

For a map showing where parking is allowed during the snow emergency, please click here. Note that due to construction, the Hagman Road Lot will not be available for winter parking.

Residents also should know that the Short Beach flood gates on Winthrop Parkway in Revere will be closed beginning Saturday, Jan. 29 at midnight. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.

For information about the response along Winthrop Parkway, please visit the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s website here.

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Winthrop Fire Department Awarded State Grant for Safety Equipment

Kayla Rochon Fire
Winthrop Fire Department Awarded State Grant for Safety Equipment

WINTHROP – Chief Scott Wiley is pleased to announce that the Winthrop Fire Department is one of over 300 fire departments across the state to have been awarded a grant as part of the Department of Fire Services Fiscal Year 2022 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program. 

The $15,147.55 grant awarded to the Winthrop Fire Department will be used to purchase a 3-piece set of battery operated vehicle extrication tools.

This program enables fire departments to purchase a variety of equipment that will make firefighters’ jobs safer. This is the second year that funding has been awarded for this purpose as part of a $25 million bond bill filed by the Baker-Polito Administration to support firefighter safety and health in the coming years. 

Fire departments in Massachusetts were able to apply to this program for 118 different types of eligible equipment, including personal protective clothing, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, assorted hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, fitness equipment, and more. In many cases, the purchase of this equipment will help departments attain compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards.

A complete list of the awards by department can be found here.

Scott Wiley Sworn in as Acting Chief of Winthrop Fire Department

jgprstaff Fire
Scott Wiley Sworn in as Acting Chief of Winthrop Fire Department

WINTHROP — Interim Town Manager Terence Delehanty and the Winthrop Fire Department are pleased to announce that Capt. Scott Wiley has been selected to serve as acting Fire Chief. 

Acting Chief Wiley was sworn in on Thursday, Oct. 5. He is taking over for Chief Paul Flanagan, who retired on Sept. 30 following 43 years of dedicated service to the Winthrop community.

“I am proud to be serving the community in this new capacity. I have worked for the town for 30 years, alongside a team of highly trained professionals who are committed to protecting and serving Winthrop residents,” Acting Chief Wiley said. “I am confident that my experience and training have prepared me to lead the department going forward.”

Acting Chief Wiley began his career in the Winthrop Fire Department in 1991 as a firefighter. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2008 and captain in 2012. He was promoted to administrative officer in 2017.

“The town is so grateful for Acting Chief Wiley’s willingness to embrace this new role,” said Chief Delehanty. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience to this position. Along with that, he is highly respected by his peers, and I know that he will continue to be an asset to the department.”

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Town of Winthrop Invites Community Members to Farewell Barbecue for Longtime Fire Chief Paul Flanagan

jgprstaff Fire
Town of Winthrop Invites Community Members to Farewell Barbecue for Longtime Fire Chief Paul Flanagan

WINTHROP — The Town of Winthrop wishes to invite community members to bid farewell to longtime Fire Chief Paul Flanagan at a barbecue in honor of his retirement on Thursday.

WHEN:

Thursday, Sept. 30, noon to 2 p.m.

WHERE:

Town Hall Green, 1 Metcalf Square

WHAT:

Friends and residents are invited to a community barbecue to celebrate Chief Flanagan’s 43-year career in fire service. 

Chief Flanagan will officially conclude his tenure on Thursday, Sept. 30. He began his career with the Winthrop Fire Department in 1978 as a firefighter. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1986 and Captain in 1988. He has served as Chief since 2008.

Chief Flanagan’s grandfather, father and brother also served the Winthrop Fire Department. His grandfather served as a Lieutenant, his father as Chief and his brother as Captain. For 118 consecutive years, the family has collectively dedicated 162 years of service to the town.

“Serving as Winthrop’s Fire Chief has been the honor of my lifetime. I leave this office confident that I approached every shift and every day as Chief with the same values that defined my family’s service to both the town and the department,” said Chief Flanagan. “I would like to thank the hundreds of firefighters that I have had the honor of serving with. I have benefited from working for some of the finest officers to ever wear the uniform and have been given the privilege of leading some of the most dedicated, tough and compassionate firefighters in our business for at least some part of each of the past five decades.”

During his tenure as Chief, he spearheaded numerous advancements, including standardizing the department’s engines and helping raise more than $75,000 to install new windows in the stations.

“As Chief, Paul came in every day with the mission to serve and protect the residents of our town. He has truly made our town a better and safer place,” said Town Council President Philip Boncore. “Not only should he be proud of his accomplishments, but also of the accomplishments of his family, who dedicated their lives to service, too. I thank him for his many years of work to make our community safer and stronger. I hope that the community joins us in wishing him the very best in his retirement this Thursday.”

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Town of Winthrop Offers Safety Tips, Encourages Residents to Stay Alert as Tropical Storm Henri Tracks Toward New England

Tom Zuppa Emergency Management, Fire, Police
Town of Winthrop Offers Safety Tips, Encourages Residents to Stay Alert as Tropical Storm Henri Tracks Toward New England

The Town of Winthrop is recommending that residents stay alert and prepare to take the necessary safety precautions as Tropical Storm Henri is expected to track toward in New England in the coming days.

Town officials are receiving briefings as the situation is updated, and are staying current on storm tracks and forecasts to ensure staffing is in place to deal with any emergency that arises.

According to the National Hurricane Center, as of 11:30 a.m., Tropical Storm Henri is moving west-northwest over the western Atlantic and is about 770 miles south-southwest of Nantucket.

The center of Henri is expected to remain offshore of the East Coast during the next couple of days, but is forecast to track near Cape Cod and the Islands or just offshore Sunday into Monday.

Henri is forecast to intensify into a hurricane on Friday with additional strengthening predicted to occur this weekend. There is a potential for tropical storm or lower-end hurricane force winds along with rough seas. Swells from Henri are expected to reach the East Coast on Friday and continue through the weekend. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.

There is a Hurricane Watch in effect for parts of Rhode Island, and a Storm Surge Watch for parts of the South Shore of Massachusetts. However, the exact path and strength of the storm when it gets closer to New England are still uncertain and residents are urged to stay alert and monitor the local forecast.

Stay informed by receiving alerts, warnings, and public safety information before, during and after emergencies.

Safety precautions residents should follow to prepare for a hurricane or tropical storm include:

  • Don’t go out during a hurricane or tropical storm, if possible.
  • Check flashlights and portable radios to confirm they’re working. Fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other devices before the storm.
  • Check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • If you own a car, making sure its gas tank is at least half full in the event you need to travel. Purchase a car phone charger so that you can charge your device if you lose power at your home.
  • Ensure that you have an emergency kit that has basic medicine and bandages. Include disinfectants, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies that you may need in an emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Have an emergency food supply in case of a power outage. People should have supplies to sustain their families for at least 72 hours.
  • Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, minimize the number of times you open the refrigerator or freezer door.
  • Prepare your home by securing or bringing in outdoor objects (patio furniture, children’s toys, trash cans, etc.) that could be swept away or damaged during strong winds or flooding. Also, elevate items in your basement in case of flooding, check your sump pump, unplug sensitive electronic equipment, park vehicles in areas that are unlikely to flood and remove boats from the water.
  • Bring in boats from moorings or add extra lines to secure them. The Harbormaster will not be responding to boats off of mooring until the storm weakens and it is safe for the crews to respond.
  • MEMA recommends purchasing a generator to maintain electricity in an outage. NEVER run a generator indoors, in a garage or with the exhaust facing the home or home air intakes.
  • Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don’t forget to include needed medications and any valuable personal belongings.
  • Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions and those who may need additional assistance.
  • In the event of a hurricane, residents are also encouraged to know if they live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone, develop a family emergency plan and create an emergency kit.

Residents are also encouraged to follow tips provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in the event of flooding:

  • Don’t attempt to drive through large puddles or on flooded roads, which could threaten your safety. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods are the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.
  • If floodwaters rise around your car and the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.
  • Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

After a storm passes through the area, residents should remain cautious. Heavy rain and strong winds can cause a multitude of problems like power outages, fallen debris and floods that often block roads and emergency vehicles, prolonging damage.

  • Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies, including downed power lines and gas leaks.
  • Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live.
  • If your power is out, follow MEMA’s power outage safety tips. Report power outages to your utility company. Do not call 9-1-1 to report an outage or to ask about power restoration. 

Additional tropical storm and hurricane safety tips offered by MEMA can be found here.

June 1 marked the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs through Nov. 30. Historically, most hurricanes and tropical storms that hit New England occur during August and September.

Winthrop Police and Fire Host Successful Holiday Toy Drive

jgprstaff Fire, Police
Winthrop Police and Fire Host Successful Holiday Toy Drive

Police Chief Terence Delehanty and Fire Chief Paul Flanagan pleased to announce that the Winthrop Police and Fire Departments hosted a holiday toy drive that benefited over fifty families.

On Dec. 6, the drive began as Santa and his elves accepted donations, took photos and participated in holiday festivities at the Cummings School Loop in Winthrop. Donations were also accepted via drop-off at the Winthrop Police Station throughout December and consisted of both new and unwrapped toys and gift cards

Not only were the departments able to donate to 57 families, they also donated to numerous groups in the Winthrop and Greater Boston area, including Winthrop Public Schools, Winthrop Community and Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery (CLEAR) team, St. John the Evangelist Church, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Suffolk County Children’s Advocacy Center and the Harbor Cove Domestic Violence Shelter.

“This year we are extremely grateful for the response that we had from the community and members of the department who participated,” Chief Delehanty said. “This is what community is all about, taking care of one another during difficult and trying times.”

“We are lucky to have such a supportive, giving community who continues to turn out for those in need each year,” Chief Flanagan said. “Thank you to everyone who helped to make a difference this holiday season.”

Winthrop Police and Fire hope to continue to grow the annual toy drive in the years to come.

Winthrop Fire Department Responds After Gas Service Line Damaged

jgprstaff Fire
Winthrop Fire Department Responds After Gas Service Line Damaged

WINTHROP — Fire Chief Paul Flanagan reports that the Winthrop Fire Department responded after a gas service line was struck near a home in town today.

At approximately 12:45 p.m., Winthrop Fire was dispatched to 31A Almont St. for a report of a damaged gas service line. Firefighters determined upon their arrival that a line serving a single home was struck by a fencing contractor working in the area.

A total of five homes, including the affected one and four nearby homes, were temporarily evacuated out of an abundance of caution. Residents were allowed to safely return to their homes at approximately 1:15 p.m. after National Grid responded to secure the service line and restore service.

The incident remains under investigation by the Winthrop Police and Fire Departments.

 

 

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Winthrop Officials Share Fourth of July Safety Tips

jgprstaff Fire, Police
Winthrop Officials Share Fourth of July Safety Tips

Use of Fireworks is Illegal in Massachusetts

As the Fourth of July and summer celebrations approach, Town Manager Austin Faison, Public Health Director Meredith Hurley, Police Chief Terence Delehanty and Fire Chief Paul Flanagan would like to provide residents with tips to safely celebrate this year.

Town officials encourage residents to be mindful of COVID-19 and practice social distancing while celebrating the holiday. Residents should keep interactions small and avoid larger groups this Fourth of July.

All Fourth of July town-sponsored activities and events are cancelled out of an abundance of caution to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“Although we have seen a decrease in COVID-19 transmission in Massachusetts, we are diligently monitoring severe spread in other parts of the country, which has been closely tied to increased social interactions without face coverings,” Director Hurley said. “We ask that residents continue to adhere to current public health guidelines while partaking in Fourth of July activities.”

The Winthrop Board of Health recommends the following:

  • Residents should not gather in groups larger than 10.
  • People are required to wear face coverings when outside of the house or when unable to keep a distance of 6 feet apart from one another.
  • People should continue to wash their hands for 20 seconds and/or use hand sanitizers.
  • If feeling unwell (body aches, cough, chills, fever, diarrhea, loss of smell/taste), stay home and contact a medical provider.
  • Avoid sharing food.
  • If visiting the beach, residents should not gather in groups larger than 10 and remain at least 12 feet apart from surrounding groups. They should also continue to use face coverings if in groups.

“We recognize that Winthrop is a community rooted in traditions, with the Fourth of July being at the top of the list,” Town Manager Faison said. “As we pause traditions for this year, it is important to continue our efforts to prevent an increased spread of illness in our community to be able to resume these traditions in the near future.”

Fireworks Safety

It is illegal to use, possess or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.” Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Additionally, residents are prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and transporting them into the state.

“During the summer months, fire departments across the United States see an increase in calls for fireworks related incidents,” Chief Flanagan said. “We ask that our residents protect themselves and our firefighters by refraining from illegal fireworks use this summer.”

From 2010-19, 858 major fires and explosions were reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS) due to the use of illegal fireworks. These incidents caused 12 civilian injuries, 40 firefighter injuries and a loss of approximately $2.9 million.

Winthrop officials recommend that residents only attend displays put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety.

“We would like to remind our community members that all town-sponsored Fourth of July events are cancelled in the best interests of public health and to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19,” Chief Delehanty said. “With town events cancelled, we strongly discourage residents from throwing their own parties. Social distancing is still an important method of prevention, and fireworks displays put on by non-licensed individuals is illegal.”

Residents should always:

  • Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks.
  • Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters.
  • Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees and could easily cause severe burns and injuries.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the misuse of fireworks can cause death and injuries including severe burns, contusions, lacerations, eye injuries and more.

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