Methuen MA, 2nd alarm

[Massfireman]

17:33, Telephone alarm for a house fire at 15 Cottage Lane
Engine 3, 1, Ladder 1 Rescue 1 A1, A2, C 2

on arrival heavy smoke showing from a 1.5 story wood frame single occupancy.

17:37, second alarm Engine 5, Lawrence engine 7

Station coverage Salem NH

19:30 fire under control, FIU to scene

 

[mack]

Thanks Massfireman - Methuen is a good size city neighboring Lawrence - about 50,000 population - a lot of old industrial buildings, triple-deckers.  They only run with 3 engines and a truck in the entire city?  Looks like there was no RIT.  These cities really have to depend on mutual aid for multiples and station coverage. If they had another working fire when the 2nd alarm came in - they would only have 1 engine and or truck from Salem NH to respond.    I believe their departments used to be a lot bigger.

  http://www.ci.methuen.ma.us/index.php/city-departments-mainmenu-112/fire-department-mainmenu-64.html

 

[Massfireman]

Methuen was running 4 engines up to a few months ago. Once the OT budget is expended, Methuen drops the 4th engine and runs a tower/ no pump and water in a station in the north end of the city.

There is a possibility of 7 layoffs the first of the year as well. The City council and mayor cannot agree on setting a tax rate.

I am not sure if Dracut or Andover supplied an engine for coverage on this incident as well.