Merrimac Fire Department Extinguishes Early Morning Garage Fire

pentucketporta on July 10, 2023

MERRIMAC — Chief Larry Fisher reports that the Merrimac Fire Department extinguished a garage fire on Monday morning.

On Monday, July 10, at 5:10 a.m., Merrimac Firefighters responded to reports of a fire at 45 West Shore Road, in a garage with a recreational vehicle parked beside it.

The garage was determined to be fully involved upon arrival. There were no reported injuries.

Mutual aid was provided by the Amesbury, Plaistow, N.H., Newton, N.H., East Kingston, N.H., and Kingston, N.H., Fire Departments. Station coverage was provided by West Newbury and Kensington, N.H., Fire Departments. A Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) was provided by the Salisbury Fire Department.

The Merrimac Department of Public Works assisted on scene with debris removal.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Merrimac Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“While the exact cause of this fire is undetermined, investigators believe it may have involved an electrical event. Having a licensed electrician review your home’s electrical system every 10 years can help to identify potential problems before they become hazards,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey. “Issues like loose sockets, frequently blown fuses or tripped circuits, and dim or flickering lights suggest issues that need to be addressed soon. When charging phones, laptops, power tools, or mobility devices with lithium-ion batteries, always use the charging devices provided by the manufacturer, and never leave them charging overnight. These batteries store a lot of power in a small package, and they can create a serious fire hazard if abused or misused.”

“In light of this incident, we want to remind our residents of the importance of electrical safety. Always follow operational manuals and instruction guidelines when using devices with lithium-ion batteries or working with electrical. You should consider consulting with trained professionals and installing an advanced circuit breaker, which can shut off electricity when a problem is detected. It only takes a second for electrical devices to cause a fire, so acting with care is crucial to keep your family safe,” Chief Fisher said. “I also would like to thank all of the departments that provided mutual aid during this incident. We greatly appreciate your assistance in protecting the residents of Merrimac.”

Merrimac Fire Department Battles 2-Alarm House Fire

pentucketporta on December 26, 2022

MERRIMAC — Chief Larry Fisher reports that the Merrimac Fire Department battled a house fire on Monday morning.

Firefighters responded to 63 Church St., a 2.5 story wood frame multi-family house at approximately 7:30 a.m. Monday. The first arriving units had a smoke condition, and the crew identified smoke coming from the common wall between two homes. Multiple fire hydrants were malfunctioning, likely due to the cold, but fire department procedures were followed and with water on board the arriving trucks, the firefighting effort was not adversely affected.

A second alarm response was requested, sending mutual aid from surrounding cities and towns into Merrimac for additional manpower and support.

The fire was declared under control 8:42 a.m. There were no immediate reports of injuries. Two families live in the home, and both are out of the home as utility service was temporarily disconnected during firefighting efforts. At least one family will be displaced until needed repairs are made.

Mutual aid was provided by Amesbury, Salisbury, West Newbury, East Kingston, N.H., and Newton, N.H. East Kingston sent firefighters and its air refill trailer to the scene. Atlantic Ambulance also responded to the scene to provide EMS staging. Station coverage for Merrimac was provided by the Newburyport Fire Department.

The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation by the Merrimac Police and Fire Departments and the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office.

 

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Merrimac Police and Fire Departments Share Tips During National 911 Education Month

pentucketporta on April 19, 2022

MERRIMAC — The Merrimac Police Department and the Merrimac Fire Department would like to share guidelines and recommendations to best access help in the midst of an emergency during National 911 Education Month.

According to the National Emergency Number Association, around 240 million 911 calls are made annually. National 911 Education Month is recognized across the country to conduct outreach and inform community members on emergency protocols and resources.

In order to make sure residents are able to receive help in an emergency, Merrimac Police and Fire are providing the following safety tips from the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA) and the Federal Communications Commission:

Text-to-911

Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. However, because voice calls to 911 provide more information to 911 call centers, you should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency whenever possible.

Text-to-911 is only currently available in certain locations. The FCC encourages emergency call centers to begin accepting texts, but it is up to each call center to decide the particular method in which to implement and deploy text-to-911 technology.

For more information on Text-to-911, click here.

Know Your Location

With wireless calls, 911 operators can locate callers, but more information may be needed in order for emergency services to find exact locations. Be prepared to provide detailed information on your location to assist the 911 operator.

Stay Calm and Don’t Hang Up

Unless instructed to do otherwise, you should stay on the line when calling 9-1-1 in order to provide necessary information to the operator. Even if you accidentally dial 9-1-1, you should stay on the line and inform the operator that there is no emergency and that you did not mean to call. While on the phone, please answer the telecommunicator’s questions. They are trying to determine whether or not there is an emergency or if someone is in need of assistance.

In order to learn more about NASNA and its efforts to improve emergency response through supporting 911 education and awareness, click here.

About National 911 Education Month

April is designated as National 911 Education Month, recognized by the United States Congress in 2008. According to NASNA, it aims to support the efforts of the National 911 Education Coalition through the promotion of resources and materials that help to educate about the optimal use of 911 services across the country. 

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Merrimac Police and Fire Departments Invite Community to Easter Bunny Ride

pentucketporta on April 15, 2022

MERRIMAC – Police Chief Eric M. Shears and Fire Chief Larry S. Fisher are pleased to share that Merrimac Police, Fire and the Santa Committee will escort the Easter Bunny around town on Saturday.

WHEN: 

Saturday, April 16, starting at noon

WHERE:

The Easter Bunny will begin and end the tour at the Fire Station, 16 East Main St., in two shifts.

The tour will follow the route of the 2021 Merrimac Santa Parade, subject to weather and road conditions. A list of the streets that the Easter Bunny will visit can be found here.

A GPS tracking device will track the Easter Bunny’s path across town. Community members can follow the route here.

WHAT:

The Easter Bunny, joined by first responders, will tour Merrimac’s streets and wave to residents.

“This is a great way to celebrate the Easter season,” Chief Fisher said. “We encourage residents to come out on Saturday to wave or take a photo of the Easter Bunny as the parade passes by.”

The event is sponsored by the Police and Fire Departments and the Merrimac Santa Committee.

“Please join us as we welcome the Easter Bunny back to the streets of Merrimac this year,” Chief Shears said. “This event would not have been possible without the dedication of our first responders and the Merrimac Santa Committee. We thank them all for organizing this festive event.”

Help the Santa Committee:

The Merrimac Santa Committee needs to raise more than $16,000 each year for the annual Christmas parade and to support Santa’s Christmas Eve route through the streets of Merrimac. Your donation of any amount will help keep these traditions in the present format.

Donations are accepted year-round at the Merrimac Light Department or Merrimac Santa Committee, P.O. Box 131, Merrimac, MA 01860.

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*Media Advisory* Merrimac Police, Fire and Santa Committee to Hold Annual Christmas Eve Santa Ride

pentucketporta on December 23, 2021

MERRIMAC – Police Chief Eric M. Shears and Fire Chief Larry S. Fisher are pleased to share that Merrimac Police, Fire and Santa Committee will escort Santa Claus around town tomorrow for the annual Christmas Eve Santa Ride.

WHEN: 

Friday, Dec. 24, starting at 3:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Santa will begin and end his tour at the Fire Station, 16 East Main St., in two shifts. A list of the streets that Santa will visit can be found here.

A GPS tracking device will be placed on Santa’s sleigh so that community members can follow Santa’s route on merrimacpolice.org. The link to track Santa will be posted on the day of the event.

WHAT:

Santa, joined by first responders, will tour all of Merrimac’s streets and wave to residents. The event is sponsored by the Police and Fire Departments and the Merrimac Santa Committee.

“We are thrilled to have Santa Claus visit Merrimac again this year to celebrate the holiday season,” Chief Fisher said. “We encourage residents to come out and wave to Santa as he passes by.”

“This event has become a beloved tradition in Merrimac and is something that residents look forward to every year,” Chief Shears said. “Thank you to the hardworking members of both departments and the Santa Committee for organizing this wonderful event once again.”

Help the Santa Committee:

The Merrimac Santa Committee needs to raise more than $16,000 each year for the annual Christmas parade and to support Santa’s Christmas Eve route through the streets of Merrimac. Your donation of any amount will help keep these traditions in the present format.

Donations are accepted year-round at the Merrimac Light Department or Merrimac Santa Committee, P.O. Box 131, Merrimac, MA 01860.

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Merrimac Police, Fire and Library Invite Community to ‘Bringing Our Heroes Home’ Event in Honor of Veterans Day

pentucketporta on November 1, 2021

MERRIMAC – Police Chief Eric M. Shears, Fire Chief Larry S. Fisher and Library Director Kelly Unsworth invite the public to attend the virtual “Bringing Our Heroes Home” event in honor of Veterans Day.

WHEN

Wednesday, Nov. 10, from 7-8 p.m.

WHERE

Virtual. To register for the event, please click here or use the QR code below.

WHAT

The “Bringing Our Heroes Home” event, hosted by Merrimac Public Library, is being held in conjunction with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). It is open to all members of the public ages 18 and up.

Forensic Anthropologist Traci Van Deest will talk about DPAA’s mission of finding and identifying the remains of missing U.S. service members and providing the fullest possible accounting for missing personnel and their families.

“We wanted to find a meaningful way to commemorate Veterans Day, and we feel that this is the perfect way to do so. It’s important that veterans, their families and residents know that work to bring our fallen and missing service personnel home continues long after wars end,” Youth Services Librarian/Adult Programming Coordinator Tracy Shaw said.  “We hope that the community will join us to learn more about this organization and the amazing work that they do every day.”

Van Deest will share her field experience as one of the many dedicated investigators who travel the world looking for the missing.

“Many veterans choose to continue dedicating their lives to public service as police officers and firefighters, and Merrimac Fire and Police would like to show our support for them, all other veterans and the good work that DPAA does,” Chief Fisher said. “We want every veteran to know that their missing brothers and sisters in uniform are not and will not be forgotten.”

The event will conclude with a question-and-answer session.

“Please join us next month for this event in recognition of Veterans Day and the heroes who gave their lives to protect our country. It will be a thought-provoking experience,” Chief Shears said.

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Groveland, Merrimac & West Newbury Police and Fire Departments Partner with Pentucket to Share Safe Driving Tips for Teens

pentucketporta on July 7, 2021

 

With school out and the summer season in full swing, Groveland Fire Chief Robert Valentine, Groveland Police Chief Jeffrey Gillen, Merrimac Fire Chief Larry Fisher, Merrimac Police Chief Eric Shears, West Newbury Fire Chief Michael Dwyer, Police Chief Jeffrey Durand and Pentucket Superintendent Dr. Justin Bartholomew wish to share safe driving tips with teens.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens age 15 to 18 in the United States.

In 2018, there were 2,121 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver, of which 719 deaths were the teen driver. During that time, there were an estimated 88,000 teen drivers injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and an estimated 256,000 people injured in crashes involving a teen driver, accounting for almost 10% of all those injured that year.

“Teen drivers are still learning the ways of the road, and it is crucial for them to be cautious and to take the proper steps to ensure safety on the road,” said Superintendent Bartholomew. “Parents, please talk to your young drivers about the following safety tips. Something as simple as buckling up could save a life.”

The public safety departments that comprise the Pentucket district recommend that parents discuss the following safety tips from safekids.org with their teen driver to help keep them safe:

  • Buckle up for every trip, every time, no matter what. This applies for anyone traveling in the front or back seat. More than half of teens killed in crashes were not wearing a seatbelt.
  • Texting or using a phone while driving can cause teens to become distracted and is prohibited in Massachusetts. On average, texting while driving takes a driver’s eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
  • Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle to help prevent young drivers from becoming distracted. The risk of a fatal crash can double, or even triple when two or more teens ride in a vehicle together.
  • Driving under the influence of any impairing substance — including alcohol, illicit or prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medication — could have deadly consequences.
  • Teens should only drive when it is dark after extra practice. At night, the risk of a fatal crash is three times more likely for teens than adults.
  • Always drive within the speed limit. Road conditions can change in an instant and speed limits help to ensure that drivers have enough time to react.
  • If a driver is driving dangerously, speak up.

For more information on safe driving information for teens, please click here.

Merrimac Police and Fire Departments Invite Community to Easter Bunny Ride

pentucketporta on April 2, 2021

MERRIMAC – Police Chief Eric M. Shears and Fire Chief Larry S. Fisher wish to invite the community to take part in the Easter Bunny Ride this weekend.

WHEN: 

Saturday, April 3, starting at 1 p.m.

WHERE:

The Easter Bunny Ride will begin and end at the Fire Station, 16 East Main St., in two shifts. Residents are encouraged to listen for the Easter Bunny’s arrival by siren, and to keep an eye out.

The tour will follow the route of the 2020 Merrimac Santa Parade, subject to weather and road conditions. A list of the streets that will be visited can be found here.

GPS will track the Easter Bunny’s route, so residents also may follow him by clicking the link here.

WHAT:

The Easter Bunny, joined by first responders, will tour all of Merrimac’s streets and wave to residents. The event is sponsored by the Police and Fire Departments and the Merrimac Santa Committee.

Residents along the routes are asked to follow social-distancing guidelines, and to wear a mask or face covering. The Easter Bunny will not be able to stop for photos.

“We’re excited to have the Easter Bunny visit Merrimac again this year,” Chief Fisher said. “I encourage everyone to come out and wave and take socially-distanced pictures.”

“This is a terrific event to mark the season,” Chief Shears said. “I am grateful to the members of both departments and the Santa Committee for bringing this event to fruition.”

Help the Santa Committee:

The Merrimac Santa Committee needs to raise more than $16,000 each year for the annual Christmas parade and to support Santa’s Christmas Eve route through the streets of Merrimac. Your donation of any amount will help keep these traditions in the present format.

Donations are accepted year-round at the Merrimac Light Department or sending to Merrimac Santa Committee, PO Box 131, Merrimac, MA 01860.

Merrimac Fire Department Accepting Applications for Part-Time Administrative Assistant

pentucketporta on September 2, 2020

Chief Larry Fisher is pleased to announce that the Merrimac Fire Department is seeking applicants for a part-time administrative assistant position.

The administrative assistant will work directly with the Chief Fisher and the department’s two deputy fire chiefs, and will be responsible for greeting and working with members of the public during normal business hours. This position is a part-time position for 19 hours per week.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Providing issuance and receipt of fire prevention permits, as well as processing various other applications and permits.
  • Answering and managing non-emergency, business calls.
  • Assisting the Fire Chief with payroll administration, and maintaining department payroll records, including salary, overtime, vacation and attendance.
  • Helping with the research and preparation of expense warrants.
  • Helping to compile data for the annual Merrimac Fire Department budget.
  • Preparing and researching grant opportunities for the special projects for the Fire Chief.
  • Helping manage department records by inputting data, and checking the data for accuracy and completeness.

To qualify, applicants should have at least a high school diploma or equivalent degree. Preference will be given to candidates who have earned an associate’s degree or above in business administration or finance, and/or who have at least two years of experience in a secretarial position and business environment, including experience in customer service, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required for the position.

Click here for more details about the position.

To apply, interested individuals should submit resumes to lfisher@merrimacfire.org with “Administrative Assistant” in the subject line or mailed to the Merrimac Fire Department at 16 East Main St., Merrimac, MA 01860. The job posting will remain active until the position is filled.

The Town of Merrimac is an equal-opportunity employer.

Public Notice Regarding Merrimac Fire Department Operations During COVID-19 Outbreak

pentucketporta on March 19, 2020

The Merrimac Fire Department has implemented a number of special precautions and procedures in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Station Operations:

In line with all standards for protecting our staff during COVID-19 restrictions and allowing them the best opportunity to serve our community, this Station is closed to non-members.

  • If you have business with the Fire Department, relay it to the Dispatcher at the window to your left. They will take your message.
  • Plans for review can be left, after you inform the Dispatcher.
  • Requests for Smoke/CO inspections (26/26 ½) can be made by calling 978-346-8211. They will be taken on a case by case basis.

Key Public Health Messages for All Residents:

  • Protect yourself by following public health advice about keeping your hands clean, and covering coughs and sneezes.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Protect others who are most at risk of COVID-19 by keeping your distance from people (at least 6 feet away from others), especially those who are older, and people living with chronic health conditions.
  • If you are outside, avoid crowds.
  • Don’t shake hands or hug.
  • Stay connected to friends and loved ones by phone or through other technology.

Medical-aid requests

When calling for medical aid, please provide complete and accurate information to our Dispatchers. We are prepared to provide the care that is needed for all requests. It is important to alert us if the person that needs aid is experiencing flu-like symptoms, so we can take the necessary precautions to protect them and our members. We are here to do our job and serve our Community.

General Information

Updates can be found on our Website (merrimacfire.org), Facebook (Merrimac Ma Fire Department- Official) and Twitter (Merrimac Fire). Please like or Follow us to receive updates as they become available.

Larry S. Fisher
Fire Chief/EMD