ICYMI: Message to Wellesley FD

**Editor’s Note: This story was originally published on March 2.**

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To Needham Firefighters - Local 1706:

I would like to commend all who responded and supported the Needham Fire Departments effort at the three alarm fire this past Saturday night on Meadowbrook Road. It was through a team effort of not only Needham Fire personnel, but also by our surrounding communities who always come through when we need them most.

Once again companies were forced to deal with harsh weather related conditions. Record snow depths, frigid temperatures and a deep frost line coupled with a high water table worked against normal fire ground operations. Nevertheless, through the professionalism and dedication of all those involved was a successful conclusion of the incident achieved.

Incident Command should be applauded for recognizing a rapidly deteriorating situation early due to frozen hydrants. This early recognition led to striking additional alarms calling in help from our neighbors. Responding to the fire were companies from Norwood, Boston, Dedham, Brookline, Westwood, Wellesley and Newton. In addition, specialty units from Weston (Air Supply) and Dover (Tanker) were also instrumental in the response. In addition, Fire Chiefs and command staff from several of the responding communities lent their expertise to the operation. Even the Boston Sparks A10 lent their support at the scene, by providing food and drink for rehab of the tacked responders. The support of Waltham, Newton and Weston who covered both of our Stations during the event, as well as Fallon Ambulance insured the safety of the remainder of the Town while our forces were working is certainly not overlooked. Needham Police and Department of Public Works provided much needed support at the scene as well. Further, the Towns people in the area should also be praised for their efforts of making sure the hydrants in the neighborhood had been cleared prior to the incident. Their diligent snow shoveling over the past several weeks aided in the task of finding a hydrant that was operational despite the frozen ground. It is only with this type of cooperation from so many can such an onslaught of obstacles be overcome.

I’m sure that the Townspeople of Needham can share the peace of mind I have in knowing that our community is so well protected by not only our own Fire Personnel, but by those of our neighbors as well. As always, our thoughts and prayers remain with the family who suffered as a result of this devastating fire. We wish them the best as they begin the long journey of rebuilding their home and their lives.