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Taunton Fire Department Offers Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

November 27, 2019 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

TAUNTON — With Thanksgiving tomorrow, Chief Timothy Bradshaw and the Taunton Fire Department would like to remind residents of several important cooking safety tips.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and the day before Thanksgiving.

The NFPA found that unattended cooking was the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths. Cooking equipment was involved in almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries, and it is the second leading cause of home fire deaths.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments in the United States are dispatched to approximately 166,100 fires annually involving cooking equipment, such as a stove or microwave.

“The Taunton Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving,” Chief Bradshaw said. “Please make sure to keep any flammable objects away from your stove top, like wrappers, pot holders and other items to prevent fires.”

To avoid tragedy this season, the Taunton Fire Department recommends residents follow several safety tips outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

  • Never leave food, grease or oils cooking on the stove top without supervision.
  • In the event of a grease fire, smother flames with a lid then turn off the heat. Putting baking soda over the fire will also work.
  • Do not move a burning pan because it can cause the fire to spread.
  • Do not throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire, as water will spread the fire and the extinguisher could splash flaming grease.
  • Do not wear loose or long sleeves when cooking, as it can catch fire.
  • Do not store or use flammable objects, such as pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags, near heating elements.
  • If a fire starts in an oven or microwave, close the door, turn the appliance off and immediately call the fire department.
  • Do not put metal inside a microwave.
  • Unplug appliances such as toasters and coffee makers when you are not using them.
  • Do not store items in an oven.
  • Stop, drop and roll if your clothing catches fire. Run burns under cool water and call 9-1-1 for help.
  • Keep children and pets three feet away from the stove.
  • Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working prior to the holiday.

Additionally, the NFPA discourages the use of turkey fryers, as the amount and high temperature of the oil used can cause serious burns and injuries, and result in the destruction of property.

Residents who would like more information on holiday cooking safety should contact the Taunton Fire Department at 508-821-1452.

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Filed Under: Taunton FD News Tagged With: Chief Timothy Bradshaw, holiday cooking safety, Taunton, Taunton Fire Department, Thanksgiving

Taunton Fire Reminds Residents to Check Smoke and CO Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

November 1, 2019 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

Daylight Saving Time Ends Nov. 3 at 2 a.m.

TAUNTON – Chief Timothy Bradshaw and the Taunton Fire Department encourages residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when setting their clocks back for daylight saving time.

Daylight saving ends Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 a.m.

“Testing and changing batteries in smoke and carbon detectors is a simple, and life-saving habit that can help prevent fires from happening,” said Chief Bradshaw. “If your detectors are not working, or if you don’t have detectors at all, please call the Taunton Fire Department for assistance.”

According to the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), working smoke alarms decrease the risk of dying in home fires by nearly half. Additionally, in many reported home fires in which smoke alarms were present but did not operate, the batteries had been removed or the alarm was disconnected due to dead battery alerts or nuisance alarms.

The Taunton Fire Department also asks that all business owners not only change their clocks, but also change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace the 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.

In order to keep your family and home safe, Taunton Fire recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by IAFF:

  • Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in a central location or near the stairway to the upper level. Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet from cooking appliances to minimize false alarms.
  • CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards.
  • For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound. CO alarms can also be interconnected.
  • Test smoke and CO alarms at least once per month using the test button.
  • Smoke 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.
  • Smoke and CO alarms with replaceable batteries need a new battery at least once per year. Replace batteries during daylight saving time or if the alarm chirps warning that the battery is low.
  • When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of usable batteries on the back of the alarm. Manufacturer instructions are specific to the batteries that must be used and the alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
  • Replace all smoke alarms according to the date on the back or when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of a smoke and CO alarm and knows how to respond.

For more information on smoke detector and CO alarm safety, contact the Taunton Fire Department at 508-821-1452.

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Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: carbon monoxide detectors, daylight saving, daylight saving time, smoke detectors, Taunton, Taunton Fire Department

Taunton Fire Department Responds to 3-Alarm Fire at Multi-Family Home

August 13, 2019 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

Firefighters Rescue Man from Second-Floor Balcony

Media note: At 10:45 p.m., Chief Bradshaw will be speaking to the media in the parking lot of Eye Health Vision Centers, 64 Winthrop St., Taunton.

To view a video of the fire click here.

TAUNTON — Chief Timothy Bradshaw reports that the Taunton Fire Department is responding to large fire at a multi-family home on Harrison Street Tuesday night.

The first responding firefighters used a ladder to rescue a man from a second-floor balcony as the fire burned close by. The man’s condition is unknown at this time but he was conscious and alert at the time of rescue and did not require medical assistance.

At approximately 8:20 p.m., the Taunton Fire Department was called to 46 Harrison St. for a report of a house fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw large flames and heavy smoking coming from the second floor and roof of the 2.5-story wood-frame home.

Incident commander Deputy Chief Eric Dumont, quickly called for all available Taunton Fire apparatus to respond to the scene and struck a second alarm for fire departments from surrounding communities to respond. The Raynham, Dighton, Norton and Rehoboth fire departments were providing assistance.

As the fire continued to quickly spread throughout the 6-apartment building, Chief Bradshaw struck a third alarm, seeking additional manpower at the scene.

As of approximately 10:30 p.m., the roof had collapsed into the building and crews were still battling the fire. There are about 35 firefighters, eight engines and two ladder trucks on scene at this time.

All residents of the home are believed to have made it out of the building safely. All residents will be displaced as a result of the fire and the Taunton Emergency Management Agency was responding to the scene to assist.

One Taunton firefighter was treated at the scene for a heat related condition and is expected to be okay.

Harrison Street and Winthrop Street (Route 44) will both be closed while the scene remains active. The Taunton Police Department is on scene assisting and directing traffic.

The scene is expected to remain active for several hours and residents and drivers are asked to seek alternate routes.

The Taunton firefighters that rescued the man from the balcony were Tony Burton, John Gulan and Sarah Riendeau.

Further information will be provided when it becomes available.

 

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Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: fire, Harrison Street, Taunton, Taunton Fire Department

Taunton Police and Fire Departments Remind Residents that Use of Fireworks in Massachusetts is Illegal

July 1, 2019 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw would like to remind Taunton residents as the Fourth of July approaches that the use of fireworks is illegal in the state of Massachusetts.

It is illegal to use, possess, or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.” Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Residents are also prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and transporting them into the state.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, during the month surrounding the Fourth of July, approximately 280 people nationwide go to the emergency room seeking treatment for injuries caused by fireworks every day.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks are also the cause of 18,500 fires on average each year.

This does not mean residents cannot enjoy fireworks displays over the course of the summer. However, Chief Walsh and Chief Bradshaw recommend that residents only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety.

Residents should also remember to:

  • Watch fireworks displays from a safe distance.
  • Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks.
  • Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters.
  • Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees and could easily cause severe burns and injuries.

Anyone who has questions about fireworks or fireworks safety should contact the Taunton Fire Department at 508-824-4024 or the Taunton Police Department at 508-824-7522.

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Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: fireworks, fireworks safety, Fourth of July, Taunton, Taunton Fire Department, Taunton Police Department

Taunton Police Arrest and Charge Man with Intentionally Setting Fires Last Week

June 10, 2019 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

 

For Immediate Release

Monday, June 10, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Taunton Police Arrest and Charge Man with Intentionally Setting Fires Last Week

DEREK LINDSAY, AGE 46, OF TAUNTON was arrested by Taunton Police and charged with intentionally setting several fires in the city last week. (Photo courtesy Taunton Police)

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh reports that the Taunton Police Department has today arrested and charged a man with intentionally setting five fires in the city last week, within the span of approximately two hours.

DEREK LINDSAY, AGE 46, OF TAUNTON was charged with:

  • Arson of a Dwelling (Three Counts)
  • Burning Personal Property (Two Counts)
  • Breaking and Entering a Building in the Nighttime for a Felony

LINDSAY was arraigned today at Taunton District Court.

The fires were set between approximately 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, and 1:30 a.m. Thursday, June 6. The locations of the fires were:

  • Silver City Gas, 69 Weir St.
  • Art’s International Bakery II, 210 Weir St.
  • 220 Weir St.
  • 228 Weir St.
  • 29 Leonard Court

All five fires were able to be quickly knocked down and extinguished by the Taunton Fire Department. Due to fire damage to the electrical system at 210 Weir St., four residents living in two apartments above the bakery were temporarily displaced. No injuries were reported.

Through the subsequent investigation by Taunton Police detectives, it was determined that LINDSAY allegedly lit each of the five fires. An arrest warrant was obtained by Taunton Police detectives this morning and at approximately 1 p.m. today, LINDSAY was located and placed under arrest near the corner of County and Hart Streets.

“This was great work by our Detective Unit to develop this individual as our suspect and place him under arrest, all within days of the fires,” Chief Walsh said. “I want to commend our detectives for quickly solving this case and I would also like to thank the many members of our business community who willingly shared security surveillance footage that played a major part in our investigation.”

The Taunton Fire Department and State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted in the investigation. The incidents remain under active investigation by the Taunton Police Department.

These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

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Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: arrest, arson, investigation, Taunton, Taunton Fire Department, Taunton Police Department

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  • Taunton Fire Reminds Residents to Check Smoke and CO Detectors During Daylight Saving Time
  • Taunton Police and Fire Departments Offer Halloween Safety Tips
Taunton Fire Department

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Non-emergency phone number:
(508) 824-4024
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Main Office: (508) 821-1452

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Fire Chief
Timothy J. Bradshaw

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Taunton, MA 02780

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