West Newbury and Groveland Fire Departments Respond to Brief Evacuation at Pentucket Regional Middle High School

pentucketporta on May 18, 2023

WEST NEWBURY — West Newbury Fire Chief Michael Dwyer and Groveland Fire Chief Robert Valentine report that the Pentucket Regional Middle and High School building was briefly evacuated after an alarm was triggered by smoke drifting from a large house fire in nearby Haverhill.

West Newbury and Groveland police and fire responded to the school complex at about 9:30 a.m. for a report of an activated fire/smoke alarm. It was quickly determined on-scene that there was no active danger at Pentucket, however the building was searched and cleared by first responders out of an abundance of caution.

The building was ventilated, and students and staff were cleared to return within about 45 minutes.

A number of students were evaluated on-scene by EMS, but no serious smoke inhalation was reported.

Mutual aid was provided by Atlantic Ambulance, Action Ambulance and Seabrook NH Fire Department.

The two alarm fire, located in a multi-unit home on East Broadway in Haverhill, was reported to have extremely dense, drifting smoke.

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West Newbury Fire Department Responds to Gas Leak at Pentucket Regional Middle High School

pentucketporta on January 11, 2023

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer and Superintendent Justin Bartholomew report that the West Newbury Fire Department responded to a gas leak at Pentucket Regional Middle High School on Wednesday morning.

On Wednesday, Jan. 11, at approximately 8:50 a.m., the West Newbury Fire Department, with support from West Newbury Police, Groveland Police and Groveland Fire, responded to an active gas leak at the high school and middle school that was caused when a contractor working on the school’s new athletic fields accidentally struck a gas line.

West Newbury Fire Department, Police and mutual aid partners evacuated several homes near the site of the leak on Main Street as a precaution while the leak was active.

Students at the high school and middle school were placed in a secure hold in their classrooms to ensure they were all accounted for and that the school’s hallways remained empty. Classroom learning continued throughout the secure hold. There were no evacuations at the high school or middle school.

The contractor that struck the gas line was able to shut down gas flowing through the line, and National Grid arrived on scene a short time later. The secure hold at the high school was lifted and residents were able to return to their homes at about 9:15 a.m.

Firefighters, police and a school resource officer remained on scene to ensure there were no further issues.

“We are grateful to our mutual aid partners in Groveland for their support,” said Chief Dwyer. “A quick and professional response to this incident by first responders, schools, the contractor involved, and National Grid helped ensure there were no more serious issues this morning.”

*PHOTOS* West Newbury Fire Department, Mutual Aid Partners Respond to Four-Alarm Fire

pentucketporta on June 19, 2022

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer reports that the West Newbury Fire Department and about two dozen mutual aid partners battled a four-alarm house fire early on Saturday evening.

Firefighters responded at 6:47 p.m. to 17 Brown Lane for a report of a fire in an attached garage. First arriving crews found heavy fire in the single-family home and immediately requested a working fire response. This was followed quickly by a second alarm at 6:56 p.m., and then a third alarm at 6:57 p.m., due to both the intensity of the fire and need for additional tankers to provide water for firefighting efforts.

Water availability in the area created extreme challenges. Tankers from eight Massachusetts and New Hampshire communities assisted. A water supply command was established to manage the incoming tankers and ensure that sufficient water was available. A fourth alarm was called at 7:47 p.m. for additional tanker support.

One firefighter was transported by ambulance to an area hospital out of an abundance of caution.

Crews cleared the scene at 11:50 p.m.

Residents of the home have been relocated.

Mutual aid was provided by the Atkinson, N.H., Boxford, East Kingston, N.H., Essex, Georgetown, Groveland, Hampton Falls, N.H., Haverhill, Kensington, N.H., Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, Newbury, Newburyport, Newton, N.H., North Hampton, Plaistow, N.H., Rowley, and Salisbury Fire Departments.

The Seacoast Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid District responded with a regional air trailer and a tanker. Atlantic Ambulance Service provided advanced life support ambulance coverage and Tango 2, an incident support unit. The State Department of Fire Services also provided an incident support unit.

The Fire Department also was assisted by West Newbury public safety dispatchers, the West Newbury Police Department, the Department of Public Works, Water Department, and Inspectional Services.

The fire is under investigation by the West Newbury Police Department, West Newbury Fire Department, and State Police attached to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious at this time.

Chief Dwyer and the West Newbury Fire Department thank the many responding mutual aid partners and town departments who provided critical additional resources. They also wish to thank Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services for providing food, hydration, and meals on scene.

West Newbury Fire Department Asks Residents to Ensure Carbon Monoxide, Smoke Alarms in Working Order

pentucketporta on December 28, 2021

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer and the West Newbury Fire Department would like to remind residents to ensure their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are operational.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), about three out of five home fire deaths from 2014 to 2018 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (41%) or no working smoke alarms (16%). In fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, two of every five (41%) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries.

To keep residents’ homes safe and prevent fires or carbon monoxide poisoning, the West Newbury Fire Department recommends these safety tips from the NFPA:

  • Smoke alarms should be installed in each room. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in a central location outside each bedroom or sleeping area, on every story of the home, and in other locations as required by standards, codes, or laws.
  • Smoke alarms have a shelf life of 10 years. Be sure to replace them after 10 years of use. Carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. Alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced. A continuous set of three loud beeps — beep, beep, beep — means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
  • Test all alarms at least once a month, pressing the test button to ensure the alarm functions properly.
  • Make sure alarms interconnect so when one alarm sounds, they all do.
  • Household members should create and practice a home escape plan.
  • If an alarm sounds, immediately exit the house or building and move outside to an area of fresh air, ensuring each person inside is accounted for. Call 9-1-1 and await instructions from emergency personnel.

Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are not interchangeable and should never be disconnected.

The West Newbury Fire Department also recommends that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. The NFPA offers the following tips for those who are deaf or have a hearing impairment:

  • Purchase alarms that include strobe lights that flash to alert people when an alarm sounds.
  • Purchase pillow or bed shakers that can be linked to alarms. Shakers awaken people when the alarm sounds.
  • Use of a low-frequency alarm can also wake a sleeping person with mild to severe hearing loss.

The West Newbury Fire Department also asks business owners to ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in functioning order, and to check batteries on wall-mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses should have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

For more information on smoke and carbon monoxide alarm safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the West Newbury Fire Department at 978-363-1111.

West Newbury Police and Fire Respond to Serious Cash Involving Pickup Truck

pentucketporta on September 22, 2021

West Newbury Police are investigating a crash involving a car and a pickup truck. (Courtesy Photo/West Newbury Fire Department)

West Newbury Police are investigating a crash involving a car and a pickup truck. (Courtesy Photo/West Newbury Fire Department)

WEST NEWBURY — Fire Chief Michael Dwyer and Police Chief Jeffrey Durand report that the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments responded to a motor vehicle crash that resulted in a rollover.

West Newbury Police and Fire responded at 2:49 p.m. to the area outside 48 Stewart St for a reported motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers found a pickup truck had exited the roadway and flipped over an embankment on the side of the road, flipping and landing tail-up.

The operator and lone occupant of the truck, a 78-year-old Florida man, was transported to an area hospital.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the West Newbury Police Department

The crash caused a fuel spill that was contained by firefighters. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection responded to the scene.

The roadway is expected to be closed into the evening as cleanup and removal of the vehicles occurs.

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Investigators Find No Evidence of Criminal Activity in Pentucket High School Fire

pentucketporta on August 20, 2021

WEST NEWBURY—West Newbury Fire Chief Michael Dwyer and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said today that the investigation into the Aug. 8 fire at the Pentucket Regional Middle and High School building project did not reveal evidence of criminal activity.

West Newbury Fire responded to the school campus at 22 Main St. at about 3:45 that afternoon for a report of smoke showing from the roof. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke showing from the roof in the rear of the construction site. A First Alarm response was requested, followed minutes later by a Second Alarm response, sending in mutual aid units from several area communities to the scene. The fire was knocked down in a matter of minutes by fire crews, and no injuries were reported.

The joint investigation by the West Newbury Fire Department and the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, assisted by the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, identified potential causes, including electrical wiring and smoking materials, that could not be ruled out entirely. While there is no evidence that the fire was intentionally set, the relevant National Fire Protection Association Standard requires investigators to classify a fire as undetermined if they cannot eliminate all but one possible cause of a fire. As a result, the cause will be officially undetermined.

The Aug. 8 fire followed another fire two days earlier at the same site. In that case, investigators determined the fire to be accidental, caused by sparks from a grinder used in the construction process that ignited nearby adhesive.

Mutual aid was provided during the Aug. 8 fire by the Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury and Newburyport Fire Departments. Atlantic Ambulance also responded to the scene.

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West Newbury Fire Department Responds to Second Fire in Three Days at New Pentucket Regional Building Project Construction Site

pentucketporta on August 8, 2021

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer and Superintendent Justin Bartholomew report that the West Newbury Fire Department and its mutual aid partners responded to a fire at the site of the Pentucket Regional Middle and High School building project Sunday afternoon.

The incident was the second fire in three days at the school building construction site.

At about 3:45 p.m., West Newbury Fire responded to the 22 Main St. school campus for a report of smoke showing from the roof. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke showing from the roof in the rear of the construction site.

A First Alarm response was requested, followed minutes later by a Second Alarm response, sending in mutual aid units from several area communities to the scene.

The fire was knocked down in a matter of minutes by fire crews, and no injuries were reported.

The construction management firm will determine the extent of damages. The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation by the West Newbury Fire Department, the West Newbury Police Department and the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Mutual aid was provided by the Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury and Newburyport Fire Departments. Atlantic Ambulance also responded to the scene.

 

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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.