Taunton Fire Department

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Taunton Fire Department Reminds Residents to Change Clocks and Check Alarms for Daylight Saving Time

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The Taunton Fire Department would like to remind residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as they spring forward.

Clocks will be moved ahead one hour on Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m.

Properly installed and maintained smoke and carbon monoxide alarms play a crucial role in emergency scenarios. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that, from 2018-2022, 59% of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (43%) or no working smoke alarms (16%).

Taunton Fire Department Quickly Extinguishes House Fire

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Chief Steven Lavigne says the Taunton Fire Department was able to get a small house fire under control quickly on Tuesday night.

The first call about an issue at 36 Tremont St. came in at 7:43 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, on the department’s business line. The caller reported smoke in the house, but no fire.

Immediately thereafter, 911 received a call reporting black smoke and crackling sounds in the house. Taunton Fire responded with Car 2; Engines 1, 3 and 4; and Ladder 2. On arrival, crews quickly extinguished the fire.

There were no injuries.

Three residents said they were displaced. The Taunton Emergency Management Agency is working to find temporary housing.

The cause remains under investigation by the Taunton Fire Department.

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Taunton Fire Department Responds to Hazardous Materials Incident at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School

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The Taunton Fire Department responded to a hazardous materials incident at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School on Monday. (Photo courtesy Taunton Fire Department)

TAUNTON — Fire Chief Steven Lavigne and Superintendent-Director Dr. Alexandre Magalhaes report that the Taunton Fire Department responded to Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School on Monday for a hazardous materials incident.

On Monday, Feb 3, at about 1:48 p.m., Taunton Fire responded to Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School for possible hazardous materials exposure in a standalone outer building that houses the biotechnology, dental, and community health programs.

Students reported a strong odor in the classroom. There was no active chemical spill or leak. The teacher removed students from the classroom and called 911.

Taunton Fire declared a Tier 1 hazardous materials incident — the lowest level — for hazardous and risk assessment.

A Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division team responded to assist.

The 16 students and staff member were moved to an adjacent building, where first responders evaluated them for minor symptoms, including dizziness and lightheadedness.

Seven students were transported to Morton Hospital in Taunton for evaluation of minor symptoms. The remaining students were released to their parents or guardians.

During the investigation, firefighters did not detect any unusual readings in the building, and the Taunton Board of Health approved the building’s reopening.

Classes will resume as normal on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at  Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School.

The cause remains under investigation by the Taunton Fire Department and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division.

“We are extremely thankful that no one was seriously injured as a result of this incident,” Superintendent-Director Magalhaes said. “I would like to commend the teacher who quickly removed the students from the classroom to safety. We are grateful to the Taunton Fire Department for their prompt response.”

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The Taunton Fire Department declared a Tier 1 hazardous materials incident at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School on Monday. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division responded to assist and investigate. (Photo courtesy Taunton Fire Department)

The Taunton Fire Department responded to a hazardous materials incident at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School on Monday. (Photo courtesy Taunton Fire Department)

Taunton Fire Department Provides Ice Safety Tips

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BEWARE OF ICE!

During the winter months, it can be tempting to venture out onto frozen waterways, but we urge caution and remind residents that no ice is 100% safe ice. You should always consider ice as potentially dangerous, as it’s impossible to judge ice conditions by appearance or thickness alone. Many factors, including water depth, the size of the body of water, water chemistry, currents, snow cover, age of ice, and local weather conditions, will impact ice strength.

One significant risk factor associated with winter ice activities is falling through the ice, which can lead to fatal and non-fatal winter drownings.

If you see someone in danger, remember the phrase “Preach-Reach-Throw-Go.”

📢 Preach: If possible, call 911 and let the victim know help is on the way. Reassure the victim and keep them calm.

🫴 Reach: If it is safe to reach the victim from shore, extend a sturdy object for the victim to grab.

🛟 Throw: If it is safe to do so, toss the end of a rope or a flotation device to the victim.

🚑 Go: If a situation becomes too dangerous, go find help. Untrained rescuers can often become victims.

Avoid walking or driving on ice-bound bodies of water — ice thickness can be deceiving. Stay safe!

Taunton Fire Department Offers Cooking Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

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The holiday season is upon us, with Thanksgiving later this week. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, with more than three times the daily average for such incidents. Christmas Day and Eve ranked second and third, nearly twice the daily average.

According to the NFPA, cooking causes over half (52%) of all reported house fires and nearly two out of every five (36%) home fire injuries. It is also a leading cause of home fire deaths (17%).

For tips on how to safely hold your holiday festivities, visit the NFPA: https://tinyurl.com/NFPA-Thanksgiving

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
Steven P. Lavigne

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

Office of Fire Prevention:
141 Oak Street
Taunton, MA 02780