As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, we would like to remind residents to celebrate safely and note that the recreational use of fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts. While the Fourth of July is meant for celebration, residents should celebrate safely. If you are attending a party, remember to drink responsibly and never operate a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If swimming, ensure that no child…
Camden Huck represented the Swansea Fire Department as one of 40 local firefighters who graduated with State Fire Academy Call/Volunteer Recruit Class #125. (Photo Courtesy Massachusetts Department of Fire Services) SWANSEA — Chief Eric Hajder of the Swansea Fire Department is pleased to report that Camden Huck graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Program on Wednesday, May 20. Huck was one of 40 local firefighters, representing 14…
Swansea Fire Department Reminds Residents to Change Clocks and Check Alarms for Daylight Saving Time
With Daylight Saving Time beginning Sunday, March 8, the Swansea Fire Department reminds residents to change their clocks ahead one hour and check their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Working alarms provide early warning during a fire or CO emergency, giving residents the time they need to get out safely. Residents should test each alarm, replace batteries if needed and make sure alarms are installed on every level of…
SWANSEA — Police Chief Mark Foley and Fire Chief Eric Hajder regret to report that the Swansea Police and Fire Departments responded to a serious motor vehicle crash early Friday morning that resulted in the deaths of two people. At approximately 12:18 a.m., two Swansea Police officers in marked cruisers observed a white 2013 Infinity G37 drive past them at a very high rate of speed westbound on Route 6,…
The Swansea Fire Department would like to remind residents of the dangers of ice during the winter, when ponds, lakes, and waterways freeze over. No ice is 100 percent safe, as it is impossible to judge ice conditions by appearance or depth alone. Many factors, including water depth, body of water size, water chemistry, currents, snow cover, ice age, and local weather conditions, affect ice strength. Falling through the ice can be…
As the holiday season begins, it is important to remember cooking safety tips to ensure your meals go smoothly and successfully. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reported that Thanksgiving is the peak day of the year for home cooking fires, with over three times the daily average of cooking fires. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve follow closely behind, with both days having nearly twice the daily average. According to…
SWANSEA — Chief Eric Hajder of the Swansea Fire Department is pleased to report that six Swansea firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Swansea firefighters Shane Neto, Jacob Dillon, Jared Koger, Shane Justice, Logan Estes and Maicon Vilas-Boas were among 26 graduates from the Call/Volunteer Recruit Class #122. “I’d like to congratulate all three of our recruits who worked hard to complete the Call/Volunteer training program,”…
With Halloween approaching, it is important to consider the potential hazards the holiday brings for participants of all ages. Children should be dressed appropriately for the weather and wear reflective attire or carry flashlights to ensure they can be seen in the dark. Young trick-or-treaters should always be accompanied by an adult. Older children should be reminded of how to trick-or-treat safely, and should use the “buddy system” to make…
Today, on National First Responders Day, we pause to honor the bravery and sacrifice of police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers. These dedicated professionals put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and respond in times of crisis. We are grateful for their service and commitment. We are proud to stand alongside our fellow first responders and grateful for the trust and collaboration that…
The National Fire Protection Association’s annual Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-11. This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Many of the devices we use every day — from phones and laptops to scooters and power tools — run on lithium-ion batteries. While convenient, they can pose a fire risk if not handled properly. Here are three simple steps to keep your family safe: BUY only…