Attleboro Fire Department

Attleboro Fire Department Restricting Public Access to Fire Stations in Response to COVID-19

March 30, 2020 by Benjamin Paulin

To Visitors of the Attleboro Fire Stations,

Effective immediately the City of Attleboro Fire Department will restrict visitors to all Fire Stations. This restriction is in response to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency and is aimed at limiting both the inadvertent contamination of fire stations and limiting the potential for transmission of infectious material to visitors. Accordingly, restrictions will be placed on outside visitors for events such as fire station tours, public education events and general business.

The City of Attleboro Fire Department Fire Prevention Division is working in conjunction with the Attleboro Department of Municipal Inspections to continue Fire Prevention application, permitting and inspection activities. Changes will be made to the process of applying and obtaining permits for both commercial and residential activities. Additional information regarding these new processes will be made available. The Department will continue to assess our ability to safely and effectively continue these Fire Prevention activities and may determine that a suspension is necessary in the future.

Any visitor who must come into the Fire Station will be asked their health status and may not be allowed to come inside if it is determined that they pose a health risk. Whenever possible, business will be conducted at the door. Any visitor coming to the fire station is asked to maintain appropriate social distancing of 6-feet from the door when interacting with members of the Department.

We apologize for any inconvenience these changes will place on the public and we thank you for your understanding in helping to keep your Firefighters safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Chief Scott Lachance

Attleboro Fire Department Rescues Resident from Second Floor Window During Three-Alarm House Fire Thursday

March 19, 2020 by Matthew Reid

ATTLEBORO — Fire Chief Scott Lachance reports that the Attleboro Fire Department responded to a three-alarm house fire at a home on South Main Street early this morning, rescuing a resident from a second floor window during the process.

At approximately 3 a.m. Thursday, March 19, firefighters responded to a 911 call for a fire at 198 South Main St. Engine 1-Ladder 1 was the first to respond to the scene.

Upon arrival, crews saw heavy smoke coming from the home and began an aggressive attack. A man, the lone occupant of the home, was seen waving for help from a second floor window, and was rescued by an aerial ladder unit without injury.

The fire was knocked down by 3:45 a.m., and the last unit was cleared from the scene by 5:50 a.m.

The home sustained extensive damage and the occupant has been displaced as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting with finding temporary housing.

Crews from North Attleboro, Plainville, Mansfield, Seekonk and Norton provided mutual aid at the scene. Raynham, Rehoboth and Pawtucket, Rhode Island Fire Departments provided station coverage.

“Crews reacted quickly and efficiently not only to extinguish this early morning blaze but to rescue the occupant of the home,” Chief Lachance said. “We thank the numerous crews who responded for assistance to this three-alarm fire.”

Three Attleboro firefighters were taken to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro and treated for non-life threatening injuries. Two have been released and one remains at the hospital receiving treatment.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Attleboro Fire Department.

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Attleboro Fire Department Reminds Residents to Test Smoke and CO Alarms During Daylight Saving

March 4, 2020 by Taylor O'Neil

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 8 at 2 a.m.

Chief Scott T. Lachance and the Attleboro Fire Department would like to remind residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when setting the clocks ahead for daylight saving time.

Daylight saving begins on Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m.

“Daylight saving serves as a great reminder for residents to not only change their clocks, but to change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms,” said Chief Lachance. “We encourage all residents and business owners to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors this weekend and call the Attleboro Fire Department if you don’t have working detectors or need assistance testing them.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 50% and, on average, three out of every five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

The Attleboro Fire Department asks that all business owners not only change the batteries in their clocks, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, but also replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

In order to continue to keep your home safe and prevent fires, Chief Lachance recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by NFPA:

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace alarms immediately if they don’t respond properly when tested.
Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when you change your clocks.
Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay in that spot until emergency personnel arrive.
Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household.

For more information on smoke detector and CO alarm safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the Attleboro Fire Department at 774-203-1922.

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Cause of Attleboro House Fire Ruled Accidental

March 4, 2020 by Taylor O'Neil

Fire Chief Scott Lachance reports that the cause of the three-alarm fire on March 2 has been ruled by the Attleboro Fire Investigation Unit as accidental.

On Monday, March 2, Attleboro firefighters responded to a home at 15 Virginia Meadows Drive at 11 p.m. for a house fire. Seven residents escaped the house prior to firefighters’ arrival. The house was a total loss.

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Attleboro Fire Department Extinguishes House Fire Late Monday Night

March 3, 2020 by Taylor O'Neil

Fire Chief Scott Lachance reports that the Attleboro Fire Department extinguished a three-alarm fire late Monday night.

At approximately 11 p.m., Monday, March 2, firefighters responded to a reported building fire at 15 Virginia Meadows Drive. Upon arrival, crews found heavy flames exiting all windows and began an aggressive attack.

The seven residents of the home had escaped safely prior to firefighters’ arrival.

The fire was was under control by around midnight Tuesday.

The house was a total loss and the seven residents have been displaced as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting them with finding temporary housing.

Firefighters from the Norton Fire Department responded to the scene to provide mutual aid. Crews from Pawtucket, Rhode Island and North Attleboro Fire Departments provided station coverage.

Two Attleboro firefighters suffered non-life threatening injuries battling the fire and were hospitalized. Both are expected to be okay.

The Attleboro Fire Department is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

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Daylight Saving Time Begins March 8 at 2 a.m.

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