Before, during and after the storm: Fire district response across town

Over the course of three days, the Wareham Fire District responded to 220 storm-related emergency calls. 

Crews began preparing before the monumental storm that would dump 30.1 inches on Wareham. This included bringing more firefighters on shift and adding a second dispatcher on Sunday, Feb. 22.

By 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23  firefighters had handled 80 calls, most involving downed power lines, fallen trees, blocked roads, property damage, medical emergencies and carbon monoxide alarms.

Special calls were made during this time, like the request of the town’s Emergency Operations Center to deliver infant formula on foot to a mother whose street was inaccessible.

The Town of Wareham Emergency Operations Center was activated and a warming center opened for residents without power. Firefighters staffed the center and worked with the Massachusetts National Guard to transport residents to the shelter.

Staffing was expanded during peak periods with fewer crews and vehicles on duty overnight for five consecutive nights while managing hazardous conditions. Firefighters navigated unplowed roads and waist-deep snow to reach residents, including transporting one patient by sled about 300 yards to an ambulance.

During the storm various crews cleared fire hydrants. Operations have returned to normal staffing levels, though the department expects additional storm-related calls as recovery continues.

Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Haskell praised the tireless work done by the department in a press release. 

"The Wareham Fire Department extends its appreciation to its personnel, Town of Wareham and Onset Fire Department partners, and community members for their resilience and cooperation throughout this significant weather event," he said.