Fire Log: Two Fires Make For Busy Monday

Grease Build Up Blaze

July 25 – At 7:39 p.m., units were to a Cedar Road residence for a gas grill on fire in the driveway. Engine 2 used a water extinguisher to put out the fire. A build up of grease caused the blaze.

Fire at Common Street Jewelers

July 26 – At 8:21 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to 451 Common St. were arriving units reported fire showing inside DG Goldsmith. Fire was visible and was involving two display cases. Engine 1 advanced a line to the front door while ladder 1 prepared to force entry and vent the front of the store. Rescue 1 went to the rear to force entry and check the basement for fire. The fire was knocked out and companies checked for any smoldering flames in the ceiling or floor which they did not find. The fire's origin was determined to be on top of the display case involving some electrically-powered equipment. 

Gas Leak Next Door

July 26 – At 9:17 a.m., units were dispatched to a Common Street restaurant for a gas leak. A fire alarm was activated during the time BFD was fighting a fire. Firefighters entered the building by way of the Knox Box. A detector was located and an odor of gas noticed. The gas company responded and determined a slight leak in the basement.

Country Club's Smoky Situation

July 26 – At 11:17 p.m., the entire department was dispatched to 181 Winter Street, the location of the Belmont Country Club's clubhouse for the reports of smoke in the bakery and a fire outside against the building. A water extinguisher was used to knock down the outside fire. It was discovered that the fire had extended into the building in a crawl space. Engine 2 advanced a line into the lower level where moderate smoke was found. Engine 1 secured a feeder into Engine 2 and then fed the sprinkler system. Rescue 1 advanced a second line into the first floor bakery. Companies began opening up walls and ceilings looking for a fire. Lt. Whalen made his way into the crawl space and reported that the fire was out. The fire was contained to the wood framing under the crawl space. 

Boiler Problems Leads To Grenade Discovery

July 26 – At 3:27 p.m., units were dispatched to a Partridge Lane home for reports of heavy smoke from the chimney. Firefighters discovered a delayed ignition to a malfuncting fuel boiler. The unit was shut down and a repairman was on his way. While at the scene, the owner informed fire officials that a practice hand grenade in the garage. The State Police bomb squad was called and removed the grenade.

Landlord Misplaces Fuel Lines

July 27 – At 9:13 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to an Alexander Avenue dwelling for a reported inside gas leak. On arrival Ladder 1 investigated and found a slight odor of gas on the second floor. The occupant stated that the landlord was there around 7 p.m. to turn on the gas supply. The gas feed to the kitchen oven was shut down. Upon further investigation a washer/dryer connection in the back hall was found unconnected and in the on position. Upon turning the gas feed back on, it was discovered that was the source of the leak. The feed was shut down. National Grid arrived on scene and assessed the situation. The dwelling was deemed safe and habitable. National Grid was going to handle securing and repairing the unused outlet. The landlord was notified by the tenant and responding.

Burn The Trash Away

July 28 – At 12:19 p.m., units were dispatched to a Pleasant Street address for an outside rubbish fire.

Pole Break Leads To Oily Mess

July 29 – At 5:47 p.m., fire and rescue were dispatched to the street across from 15 Fairmont St. for a down power line. The Belmont Municipal Light Department supervisor was on scene prior to the BFD's arrival.  There was a telephone pole down in the driveway of the above location with numerous wires down.  The pole had snapped at the street.  Rescue 1 and Armstrong Paramedic 3 evaluated a patient that was working on a ladder when the pole fell over.  The patient had only been three-rungs up on the ladder when the pole fell.  Rescue 1 obtained a patient refusal.  There was oil on the street from the transformer that was on the pole.  The Municipal Light supervisor stated that it was a new type of transformer that contained a non-hazardous oil that was vegetable based. Engine 2 was requested for extra Speedy Dry. There were approximately six bags spread throughout the area. The only storm drain in the area was blocked and covered so that the oil could not run into the sewer.