Oil Truck Catches Fire on Rt. 20.

9/22/15

At 7:13 a.m. the Auburn Fire Rescue Department responded to Rt. 20 in front of Harvey Industries for a reported oil truck on fire.  Upon arrival a moderate size fire was found under the truck impinging on the oil tank.   

The driver of the vehicle escaped without injury.  Employees of Harvey Industries used a fire extinguisher to help contain the fire until the Auburn Fire Rescue Department arrived.  The AFRD extinguished the fire.  The fire doe not appear to be suspicious.  

The Auburn Police Department shut down one lane of traffic on Rt. 20 for about forty minutes for firefighters to extinguish the fire.  The truck was carrying an industrial lubricant and is owned by the Dennison Lubricants, INC. of Lakeville, Massachusetts.   

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Serious Motor Vehicle Accident with Entrapment at Rt. 20 and South Street

9/11/15

At 2:57 p.m. the Auburn Fire Rescue Department responded to Rt. 20 and South Street for a two car motor vehicle accident.   Upon arrival of the accident, AFRD crews found one person trapped in the collision and two others injured. 

The person trapped in the collision was extricated by the AFRD with the jaws of life.  Three people were transported to UMass Medical Center by two Auburn Fire Rescue ambulances and one Oxford Fire ambulance with serious injuries.  

The accident is under investigation by the Auburn Police Department.  

Pictures for the media.

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Bomb Squad and State HAZMAT Team Called to 394 Rochdale Street

6/6/15

At 10:59 a.m. the Auburn Fire Rescue Department along with the Auburn Police Department was called to 394 Rochdale Street for a question of explosives at the home.  Explosives were found and the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad responded to the scene.    

The state in which the explosives were found did not pose a threat to the community.  The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad did detonate the explosives at the Police Department's shooting range on Rochdale Street. 

While searching the rest of the property, crews discovered a mix of hazardous chemicals.  The Massachusetts State HAZMAT Team responded to the scene.  The chemicals where identified and the home was made safe.  

This call was a great example of multiple agenencies working together.  The following agenicies where on scene.  Auburn Fire Rescue Department, Auburn Police Department, Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, Massachusetts State HAZMAT Team, and the ATF.  Any questions related to the type of explosives should be directed to the Massachusetts State Police.  


Picture for the media.

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

State HAZMAT Team Called to the Heritage Mall

5/19/15

At 6:06 p.m. the Auburn Fire Rescue Department was called to 567 Southbridge Street the Heritage Mall for the smell of natural gas.  Great Expressions Dental Centers reported the smell in their business.  Eversource Gas Company was called to the scene to assist the AFRD.  


Upon investigation by the AFRD and Eversource Gas, the odor was determined not to be natural gas.  Employees were complaining of headaches, being light headed, dizzy, and a scratchy throat.  The State HAZMAT Team was requested to further investigate the odor.  The investigation found a refrigerant leak coming from one of the air conditioning units within the business.  The unit was shutdown and the business was vented.  


The other businesses in the mall were checked by the AFRD and no problems were found.  Great Expressions Dental Centers will remain closed until the problem is repaired.  All other business will be open tomorrow.  No one was transported by ambulance to the hospital. 


Pictures for the media.

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

  

Update of the 3 Alarm Fire on Rydberg Terrace Ext., Dog Found Alive

5/18/15

The AFRD reported that one pet was believed to have perished in the fire at 34 Rydberg Terrace Extension this morning.  Crews while on scene this morning extinguishing hot spots, found the dog alive near a bed.  Firefighter Scott Henderson found the dog and reunited her with her owner.  

Picture for media use.

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

3 Alarm Fire Strikes Home on Rydberg Terrace Ext.

5/18/15

At 1:19 a.m. the Auburn Police Department began receiving 911 calls reporting a fire at 34 Rydberg Terrace Ext. The first arriving Engine reported a large volume of fire coming from the side and rear of the home and immediately struck a 3^rd alarm.

The family was home at the time of the fire and all escaped without serious injury, including an elderly woman who is in a wheel chair. A woman was transported from the scene of the fire to the hospital with a medical condition and the home owner was looked at on scene with minor burns to his arm. The elderly woman was taken from the scene and relocated with other family. It is believed that one of the three family pets perished in the fire.

Auburn Fire Rescue Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. said that the family was very lucky to escape without serious injury. “Fortunately the home owner got up because he heard some noises. When he looked out the window he saw the flames in the rear of the house. He ran outside and realized the fire was much too large to contain so he ran back in and yelled for everyone to get out of the home. They were able to get his elderly mother out of the home quickly before it was too late”.  Coleman said.

The Auburn Fire Rescue Department received mutual aid on scene from the Leicester, Millbury and Oxford Fire Departments. Charlton, Leicester and Millbury also provided station coverage during the incident.

The fire is under investigation by members of the Auburn Fire Investigation Unit. The cause is not yet known however it does not appear to be suspicious. The Red Cross will be notified to provide assistance to the family.

Rydberg Terrace was the scene of another house fire two months ago at number 27, just doors away from the fire this morning.

Pictures for media use.

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

                                                               

Auburn Responds to Worcester for a Structure Fire

5/12/15

The Auburn Fire Rescue Department responded with the Worcester Fire Department to 557 SW Cutoff in Worcester at 1:14 A.M. for a reported structure fire.  The Auburn Police Department received a 911 call by a passing motorist, reporting a building fire at 557 SW Cutoff.  Worcester Fire is investigating the cause of the fire.  

     

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Busy Day on the Auburn Highways

5/9/15

The Auburn Fire Rescue Department responded to multiple calls on Auburn's highways.  Motor vehicle accidents were reported on Interstate 395 South, Route 12, and the Massachusetts Turnpike.  A car fire was also reported on the Massachusetts Turnpike.  

According to Auburn Fire Rescue's Assistant Chief Glenn Johnson the multiple highway calls have created slow moving traffic through the area and back-ups on the major roadways.  The accident on Interstate 395 South was a fatal crash and the State Police are investigation.  There where minor injuries at the other motor vehicle accidents and no injuries at the car fire.  

Please drive safely and move over for emergency workers on the roadways.

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident I-395 South

5/9/15

The Auburn Fire Rescue Department responded at 1:17 P.M. to Interstate 395 South, at the Auburn / Oxford line for a single car motor vehicle crash with ejection.  The only person involved in the accident was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.  Massachusetts State Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Fire Strikes Home at 187 Leicester Street

4/14/15

The Auburn Fire Rescue Department responded to 187 Leicester Street at 12:58 P.M. for a reported house fire.  Engine 3 the first arriving engine company, reported a fire on the driveway side of the home.  

According to Auburn Fire Rescue's Assistant Chief Glenn Johnson the fire was reported by a postal worker delivering mail.  No one was home at the time of the fire.  The fire was contained to one room on the second floor and is under investigation by the Auburn Fire Rescue Department's fire investigation unit and the Auburn Police Department, although it is not suspicious.

The fire went to 2 alarms and mutual aid was received on scene from the Oxford Fire Department. Fire Departments from Leicester and Oxford covered Auburn stations. There were no injuries at the scene.  All companies were clear of the scene at 3:17 P.M.

Pictures for media use.

Photo Courtesy of the Auburn Police Department

Photo Courtesy of the Auburn Police Department

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Roof Fire at RH White Construction

4/2/15

The Auburn Fire Rescue Department responded to RH White Construction Company located at 41 Central Street at 10:04 P.M. for a reported fire on the roof.  Engine 3 the first arriving engine company, reported a fire on the roof in the rear of the building and in the rear garage.     

According to Auburn Fire Rescue's Assistant Chief Glenn Johnson the fire was reported by two people cleaning the building.  Cleaning staff saw the fire from a window and dialed 911.  The fire did not extend into any other parts of the building.  The fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshals Office and the Auburn Police Department although it is not suspicious.

The fire went to 2 alarms and mutual aid was received on scene from the Oxford Fire Department. Fire Departments from Leicester and Oxford covered Auburn stations. There were no injuries at the scene.  All companies were clear of the scene at 12:22 A.M. on 4/3/15.

Pictures for media use.

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Auburn Fire Chief advises, “get your burning done early”

3/18/15

Auburn Fire Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. encourages residents that are interested in burning brush this season to obtain a permit now and do it early. The official start of the states burning season began on January 15^th and will end on May 1^st. Even with the record setting amount of snowfall that fell in February and March the state will not likely extend the burning season beyond May 1^st. 

“The Department of Environmental Protection who oversees the states open air burning laws will not extend the burning season because of excessive snowfall. My advice to the residents who want to burn is don’t wait, get your burning done early.” Chief Coleman said. 

A burning permit may be obtained at Fire Rescue Headquarters, 47 Auburn Street from 8a.m to 4p.m seven days per week. Rules and regulations will be explained at the time the permit is issued. The fee for the permit is $10.00 and is valid until May 1st. Burning permits are for residential use only and will not be issued to a business.

Any residents with questions regarding the open air burning season can visit the fire rescue department website at www.auburnmassfire.org or contact the Auburn Fire Rescue Department at 508-832-7800.

Contact:         

Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us

Fire Strikes Home on Rydberg Terrace in Auburn

3/12/15

Just before 2:30 this afternoon the Auburn Fire Rescue Department responded to a reported building fire at 27 Rydberg Terrace. The fire was reported to be on the back deck of the house. First arriving Engine companies reported a large volume of fire in the home on arrival.

According to Auburn Fire Rescue Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. the owner of the property was home at the time of the fire and suffered minor burns. He was treated at the scene and refused transport to the hospital. The fire is under investigation by the Auburn Fire Investigation Unit including the Auburn Police Department although it is not suspicious.

The fire went to 3 alarms and mutual aid was received on scene from Oxford and Millbury Fire Departments. Leicester and Worcester covered Auburn stations. One firefighter was transported to  St. Vincent Hospital by Ambulance for minor injuries. All companies were clear of the scene at 7:30 p.m.

END

Photo Courtesy of Auburn Police

Photo Courtesy of AFRD

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Holstrom

                                                      Photo Courtesy of Kevin Holstrom

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Gas Grill and Deck Fire at 16 Sunrise Ave.

3/11/15

The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department was called to 16 Sunrise Avenue at 6:32 P.M. for a reported gas grill and deck on fire.  Crews arrived on scene to find a gas grill fully engulfed in flames.  Fire did extend to the deck and was partially extinguished by the Auburn Police Department prior to the arrival of the AFRD.  The home sustained minor heat damage to the exterior siding and the AFRD extinguished the fire keeping it from extending inside the home.  No injuries were reported.    

Please remember to clean your gas grill regularly and keep it away from the house when cooking.  

Pictures for media use.

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Unstable Structure at 1 Sherwood Rd.

2/24/15

The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department was called to 1 Sherwood Road at 4:37 P.M. this afternoon for a resident questioning the structural integrity of his home.  The resident reported hearing creaking and cracking noises in the home.  A door jam started to pull away from the wall and the door would no longer shut.  The building inspector came to the scene and advised the homeowner not to occupy the structure.  Four people were displaced from the residence until the structure can be further evaluated.

We urge all residents and business owners to check their roofs for large accumulations of snow and take the appropriate action to clear them.  If you hear abnormal creaking and cracking noises in your home please evacuate the home and call the fire department.

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Building Collapse at 113 Washington Street

2/24/15

The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department was called to 113 Washington Street at 3:49 P.M. this afternoon for a reported building collapse.  Upon arrival crews found about 85% of the building's roof had collapsed, with the outside walls buckling.  No one was inside the building at the time of the collapse and no injuries were reported.  Assistant Chief Glenn Johnson stated "We were fortunate that no one was in the building at the time of the collapse."  The building was used to store equipment for a local paving company.  The collapse is attributed to the large amount of snow built up on the structure.  National Grid, and the Auburn Water District were called to the scene to shut off the utilities to the building to prevent any further hazards.  The local building inspector was requested and he did respond.

We urge all residents and business owners to check their roofs for large accumulations of snow and take the appropriate action to clear them.

Pictures can be used by the media.

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Worcester County Sheriff's Office Help Clear Fire Hydrants of Snow

2/19/15

Today the Worcester County Sheriff's Office Inmate Community Service Program assisted the AFRD staff and retired AFRD Lieutenant and current Selectman Ken Holstrom shovel fire hydrants.  This team effort focused on many different areas of town including Routes 12 & 20.  Fire Chief Stephen Coleman said "I really appreciate the assistance other organizations and departments have given us when it comes to shoveling out fire hydrants".

Over the past week the National Guard, Citizens Emergency Response Team, Department of Public Works, Auburn Water District, and the Worcester County Sheriff's Office have assisted the AFRD with shoveling out fire hydrants.  We would like to thank all of the organizations that have helped in this endeavor and all the residents that shovel fire hydrants every storm, it truly is appreciated.  

The AFRD depends on fire hydrants to provide the necessary water needed to extinguish a fire.  If the fire hydrant is buried under snow crews will have to shovel it out in order to extinguish the fire or search for another fire hydrant.  Having the fire hydrant shoveled out prior to an emergency will help prevent delays on extinguishing a fire.  

Once again a big thank you to the Worcester County Sheriff's Office inmates, staff and Selectman Holstrom for a great job today.  

Pictures for the Media.

   

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Namco Pool, Patio & Game Room Superstore Structural Integrity Compromised

2/17/15

The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department was called to 2 Washington Street Namco Pool, Patio & Game Room Superstore at 6:51 P.M. for a reported sprinkler activation.  Upon arrival crews found a broken sprinkler pipe in the building.  The water was shutdown to the system, stopping the leak.  While crews were on scene it was noticed that the front of the building appeared to have a roof problem.  The building inspector was called to the scene to evaluate the situation.  The building inspector found the building's structural integrity to be compromised.

Namco representatives are working with the buildings inspector to rectify the situation and will remain closed until the building is deemed safe.

We urge all residents and business owners to check their roofs for large accumulations of snow and take the appropriate action to clear them.

Please visit the link below for safety tips on how to avoid a roof collapse and video from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1ZDOsgRuus

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Masspike Fatal Accident

2/11/15

The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department responded to the Massachusetts Turnpike eastbound near the 89 mile marker for a reported tow truck driver struck by a motor vehicle at 2.59 P.M.  The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.  Massachusetts State Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us

Building Collapse at 5 St. Mark Street

2/10/15

The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department was called to 5 St. Mark Street at 5:57 A.M. this morning for a reported building collapse.  Upon arrival crews found about 90% of the building had collapsed.  No one was inside the building at the time of the collapse and no injuries were reported.  Fire Chief Stephen Coleman stated "We were fortunate that the building was not in operation and no one was trapped inside.  If people were trapped we would have needed the assistance of the technical rescue team."  The collapse is attributed to the large amount of snow built up on the structure.  National Grid, Eversource Gas, and the Auburn Water District were called to the scene to shut off the utilities to the building to prevent any further hazards.  The local building inspector was requested and he did respond.

We urge all residents and business owners to check their roofs for large accumulations of snow and take the appropriate action to clear them.  

Please visit the link below for safety tips on how to avoid a roof collapse and video from today's building collapse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1ZDOsgRuus

Contact

Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson

508-832-7800

gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us