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Taunton Fire Department Reminds Residents that Open Burning Ends May 1

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TAUNTON — Chief Timothy J. Bradshaw and the Taunton Fire Department would like to remind residents that the town’s open burning period ends Friday, May 1, at 4 p.m.

The Commonwealth’s annual burning period spans from Jan. 15 to May 1. Residents are able to burn brush, cane, driftwood, tree pruning and other forestry with a permit granted by their fire department.

Chief Bradshaw would like to remind anyone who plans to use the remaining days of open burning that they must call the fire department on the day they wish to burn. Also remember that open burning must be done at least 75 feet from all buildings, never leave a fire unattended and keep fire extinguishing materials handy while burning.

Chief Bradshaw would like to thank residents for another safe open burning season this year.

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*Joint Release* Taunton Police and Fire Departments Free Teenager Trapped in Car

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TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw report that the Taunton Police and Fire Departments responded to a local car wash after a teenager was pinned inside a vehicle by another vehicle yesterday.

The teenager was not injured by the crash.

At approximately 2:09 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, Taunton Police and Fire responded to Prestige Car Wash, 13 Cape Road, Taunton, for a report of a motor vehicle crash.

Upon arrival, officers found a 2019 GMC Sierra pickup truck had backed up onto a 2013 Ford Focus, completely pinning the car. A teenage female from Middleborough was in the backseat of the Focus.

Firefighters used hydraulic tools to extract the teenager, who was the only occupant of the vehicle at the time of the accident.

After an initial investigation, police believe that a Middleborough man was putting floor mats back into the Sierra after vacuuming it, and a mat became stuck above the accelerator pedal. The car then accelerated in reverse across the parking lot of the establishment, crashing through the bay where another Middleborough man was manually washing the Focus from outside the vehicle.

The owner of the Focus was able to get out of the way before the Sierra backed into his car. The truck rode up onto the hood of the car, crushing it.

The owner of the Focus and the teenager inside were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for evaluation, but sustained no injuries.

There was significant damage to the walls of the bay, which is currently closed. The rest of the car wash is currently open.

Officers were thankful that no one was hurt during the crash.

“Considering the significant damage to the vehicles involved it is remarkable that no one was seriously injured in this incident,” Chief Walsh said. “We are grateful that everyone is OK.”

“We commend the work of the officers and firefighters involved for acting so quickly to rescue the teenager who was trapped in the vehicle,” Chief Bradshaw added.

The incident is being considered accidental and no charges have been filed at this time.

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Taunton Fire Department Offers Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

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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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Taunton Fire Department Offers Hot Weather Safety Tips for Weekend Heat Wave

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Taunton Fire Department
Timothy J. Bradshaw, Fire Chief
50 School St.
Taunton, MA 02780

For Immediate Release

Friday, July 19, 2019

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

Taunton Fire Department Offers Hot Weather Safety Tips for Weekend Heat Wave

TAUNTON – As the hottest weeks of summer approach, Chief Timothy Bradshaw would like to remind residents to take safety precautions during their summer activities, especially those that take place outdoors.

“We encourage residents to take it easy this weekend. Stay inside and in air conditioning as much as possible,” Chief Bradshaw said. “If you do spend time outdoors, be sure to stay hydrated and be careful not to overexert yourself.”

The National Weather Service is expecting temperatures to reach into the 90s throughout the weekend in Taunton. Regionally, temperatures are forecast to be in the 90s to lower 100s, and Saturday is expected to be the hottest day.

An Excessive Heat Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for most of Massachusetts on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

To prevent illness and injuries, the Taunton Fire Department recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:

Heat Safety Tips:

  • Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  • If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.
  • Postpone outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
  • Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
  • Learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.

Tips for Parents: 

  • Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.
  • Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.

To learn more about summer safety, visit the American Red Cross or National Safety Council websites.

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Taunton Police and Fire Respond After Illegal Use of Fireworks Causes Injuries, Structure Fire

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TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw report that the Taunton Police and Fire Departments responded to a home last night after a man set off several illegal fireworks, causing injuries to himself and igniting a structure fire.

On Tuesday, July 2, at approximately 5:45 p.m., police and fire responded to 352 Middleboro Ave. on a report of a structure fire.

Engines 1, 3 and 9, along with Ladder 3 and Car 2 arrived on scene to find the exterior of the home had caught fire and was smoldering.

Upon arrival, first responders found a 24-year-old man in the process of extinguishing a fire on the home’s deck.

An on scene investigation indicated that the man was building wooden racks to hold plastic mortar tubes that he’d then fill with fireworks. During that process, it is believed that a spark from a power tool he was using ignited one of the fireworks that was in the rack, which then ignited several other fireworks.

The fireworks then began to go off on the deck, which lit the siding of the house on fire. The fire did not spread to inside the home.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene, along with the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, which removed and properly disposed of the fireworks.

The man suffered burns to his hands. He declined medical assistance at the scene.

“Thankfully this resident was not seriously injured and the fire did not extend into the home,” Chief Bradshaw said. “This situation is exactly why residents are required by law to leave fireworks displays to the professionals. With the holiday tomorrow, we remind everyone to please celebrate responsibly.”

The Taunton Police Detective Division and the State Fire Marshall’s Office are actively investigating this incident.

Taunton police and fire would like to remind residents that the use of fireworks is illegal in the state of Massachusetts, and that to prevent injury and structure fires, residents should only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional.

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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Contact Us

FOR EMERGENCIES
DIAL 911

Non-emergency phone number:
(508) 824-4024
Fire Prevention: (508) 821-1453
Main Office: (508) 821-1452

tauntonfire
tauntonfire

Fire Chief
Timothy J. Bradshaw

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Mailing address:
Central Fire Station
50 School Street
Taunton, MA 02780