Winthrop Fire Department

Winthrop Fire Department Responds to Deer Island for Alarm Activation

jgprcamryn Fire
Winthrop Fire Department Responds to Deer Island for Alarm Activation

Fire Chief Scott Wiley reports that the Winthrop Fire Department responded to the Deer Island Treatment Plant on Monday evening for a report of a fire alarm activation that resulted from an overhead electrical motor. No fire or hazardous situation occurred.

At 8:52 p.m. Monday, Winthrop Fire responded to 190 Tafts Ave., the location of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. The first arriving firefighters reported to the administrative building, where alarms were sounding and a light smoke condition was observed. As is standard, the Boston Fire Department was also notified.

Winthrop Engine 1 immediately began to investigate.

As are their protocols for a facility of this magnitude, the Boston Fire Department sent a full box alarm response to the plant, sending many pieces of Boston Fire apparatus to the scene, including several specialized units.  A Boston Fire District Chief, reviewing the fire alarm panel, then struck a second alarm response, sending additional units to the scene.

It took some time to locate the source of the smoke, but it was later determined that the smoke was originating from an overheating second-floor electrical motor. No fire was present, and it was then quickly determined that there was no danger to the facility or surrounding neighborhoods.

Chief Wiley notes that the significant fire response by both agencies is done out of an abundance of caution for such a sensitive, remote facility. Despite the significant fire response of more than two dozen vehicles, there is no danger to the community.

The Town of Winthrop maintains a CodeRED system, and it is used in case of emergencies to quickly notify residents of serious incidents. Residents are strongly encouraged to enroll in the CodeRED notification system by visiting the Town website.

Winthrop Fire Department to Open Cooling Center on Saturday at Senior Center

Benjamin Paulin Emergency Management, Fire
Winthrop Fire Department to Open Cooling Center on Saturday at Senior Center

WINTHROP – As high temperatures continue throughout the region, Chief and Emergency Management Director Scott Wiley reports that a cooling center will be open in town on Saturday, July 23, at the senior center.

The cooling center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and is open to the public. The DeLeo Winthrop Senior Center is located at 35 Harvard St.

All are welcome to come to the air conditioned facility and can stay as long as the cooling center remains open.

Anyone with questions about the cooling center should call the Winthrop Fire Department at 617-846-3474.

Hot Weather Safety Tips

In addition, the Winthrop Fire Department is advising the public of the following tips for preventing heat-related illnesses:

  • NEVER leave children, adults or pets alone in a closed, parked vehicle.
  • KEEP COOL – Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings. Use air conditioners to cool the air.
  • Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool or shady area, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible.
  • Plan outdoor games and activities for early morning or evening. Rest often in shady areas to allow your body to recover.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • When the temperature is in the 90’s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath is a better way to cool off.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages, drinks with caffeine and large amounts of sugar—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
  • Use your stove less and try to cook your meals in the cooler part of the day.
  • Keep pets hydrated.
  • Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness at any time, some people are at greater risk than others.
    • Check regularly on: infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, people who have a mental illness, those who are physically ill or who have heart disease or high blood pressure
    • Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.
  • Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.

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