Watertown Fire Department’s Busy Week Included Battling Blazes in a Home & on a Boat

The Watertown Fire Department had a very busy few days: helping to save a woman from a burning house, putting out a boat blaze, responding to a flipped vehicle, as well as welcoming the public at an Open House.

Boat Fire

On Thursday, Watertown Firefighters put out a fire on a boat on the Charles River, said Watertown Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson. The original report was for a fire at the Watertown Yacht Club.

“Upon arrival, companies found that the fire was actually at the Newton Yacht Club. Without hesitation they looped around the river to assist. Newton Fire was arriving at approximately the same time,” Nicholson said. “We launched our new Marine 1, which ironically was just placed into service on Monday.”

The fire pump that would allow Marine 1 to actively fight fires is on backorder, Nicholson said, but the boat is still able to help with other tasks, such as placing environmental booms to protect the river from spilled fluids.

“I spoke with Newton Fire Chief Greg Gentile who expressed his gratitude for our assistance that morning in a solid team effort,” Nicholson said.

House Fire

At 8:33 a.m. on Friday, a 911 call came from the downstairs unit of a home after hearing smoke alarms going off in the upstairs unit and smoke coming out from the door. Engine 2 and Ladder 2 arrived at the scene first, and the crew from Engine 2 reported smoke coming from the second floor, Nicholson said.

“Lt. Glen McManus and Firefighter Daniel Russo of Engine 2 met Officer (Michael) Grzelcyk in the front stairwell where he was able to relay to them that he had made verbal contact with a resident on the second floor, but he was unable to reach her due to the heavy smoke condition,” Nicholson said. “He relayed to Lt. McManus the direction where he heard the woman’s voice. With Officer Grzelcyk’s information, Lt. McManus and Ff. Russo — equipped with breathing apparatus — were able to quickly locate the resident and carry her through the apartment and down the stairwell, at which point Officer Grzelcyk was able to help them remove her from the house completely. She was transported to a local hospital shortly after.”

McManus and Russo returned with a hose and by the time other fire companies arrived the fire had been extinguished.

“The Watertown Fire Department is extremely proud of the extraordinary actions by Officer Grzelcyk, Lieutenant McManus and Firefighter Russo,” Nicholson said. “In a true team effort, they were able to heroically save the life of a member of our community.”

The Fire Prevention Bureau is still investigating the origin of the fire, but Nicholson said it is not believed to be suspicious.

Eventful Saturday

On Saturday, the Watertown Fire Department welcomed the public to Fire Headquarters on Main Street for the annual Open House. Youngster got to get an up close look at fire engines and other vehicles, and met the Watertown Fire Mascot.

“Today’s Open House was a blast. Thanks for coming out and having fun! Thank you to Not Your Average Joes, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Watertown FF Local 1347 for their donations which helped make our event a success,” the Watertown Fire Department announced on its Facebook page.

Right after the Open House was scheduled to end, the Watertown Fire and Police departments were called to Mt. Auburn Street in Coolidge Square for an accident where a vehicle flipped on its side.

“There was a three car accident in front of Stella’s on Mt. Auburn. One car rolled over to its side, but there were no transports from the scene,” Nicholson said.

Watertown Police Officer Saves Woman from Burning House