1920
Report of Board of Fire Engineers
Gentlemen: During the year of 1920 the Centre Fire Department has answered six bell alarms, five of which were for buildings and one for a brush fire. The Department also answered six telephone alarms, all chimney fires, except one, which was a building.
The Department has done very good work considering the equipment with which they have to work. We have no doubt that if given proper equipment, we would have a very efficient department.
We again caution the people to give their chimneys a little attention and avoid fires which are liable to cause considerable property loss.
In case of fire call by telephone the following, plainly giving name, location, whether grass or house fire:
Night
C. O. Robbins—Tel. 5204-W
Walter Fletcher—Tel. 4028-Y
Daytime
C. O. Robbins—Tel. 5204-W
Chelmsford Garage—Tel. 5690
Falls Drug Store—Tel. 8703-R
S. W. Parkhurst—Tel. 8703-M
Report of the Forest Warden
During the year, 1920, there were fifty-five forest and grass fires in town, of which twenty-five were railroad fires and the remainder started from various causes. The Deputy Wardens have also assisted at several chimney, building and auto fires.
The expense of extinguishing the fires together with the cost of supplies, etc., has been $418.06 of which $82.98 has been paid or is due the town by parties responsible for the fires.
About four hundred fifty permits were issued for fires between March 1st and December 1st.
Don't forget the Slash Law which requires you to clear the slash forty feet away from your neighbors lot or the highway.
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Chief Captain Lieutenant |
Board of Fire Engineers Forest Warden |
1921
Annual Town Meeting February 14, 1921
Under Articles 8 and 9.
The first relative to raising and appropriating a sum of money for motor fire
apparatus for North Village and the second relative to a fire house at West
Chelmsford, it was voted that a Committee consisting of Joseph D. Ryan. William
T. Picken, Loren J. Ellinwood. Charles Finnick. Wilhelm Johnson, Arnold C.
Perham. and Emile E. Paignon be chosen to thoroughly investigate the whole
matter of fire protection and report with recommendations and estimated cost at
a special meeting of the Town to be held not later than June 4. 1921.
Under Article 10.
Voted that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $600.00 to be expended by
the Selectmen for the purpose of supplying the Chelmsford Fire Department with
additional fire equipment.
Special Town Meeting May 27, 1921
Under Article 16.
The Committee on Fire Protection reported. The report was tabled pending action
on Article 17. The report was later taken from the table, accepted and a vote of
thanks extended to the Committee.
Under Article 17.
Voted that the Town authorize and direct a Special Committee consisting of
Joseph D. Ryan, William T. Picken, Loren J. Ellinwood, Charles Finnick, Wilhelm
Johnson, Arnold C. Perham and Emile E. Paignon to procure additional motor fire
apparatus and equipment at a cost not to exceed in all the sum of $15,000.00,
and that the Town raise and appropriate therefor the sum of $1,600.00 and borrow
the balance at a rate of interest not exceeding six per cent, per annum, payable
semi-annually, and issue therefor five promissory notes, each for the principal
sum of one-fifth of the total amount borrowed, payable at the expiration of one.
two, three, four and five years from the date thereof, such note or notes, to be
signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by a majority of the Board of
Selectmen. Upon this motion 180 voted in favor and none against.
Under Article 18.
Voted that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 for the purpose of
installing a suitable fire alarm at Chelmsford Center and said sum to be
expended by a committee of three appointed by the Finance Committee. The
Committee appointed Walter Fletcher, Wilhelm Johnson and Raymond C. Haseltine.
Under Article 19.
Voted that the Town raise and appropriate an additional sum of $2,000.00 to meet
the expense of maintaining the Fire Department for the current year.
Under Article 20.
Voted that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $400.00 for the purpose of
making necessary repairs and improvements to the several fire houses of the
Town.
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers
In the month of June, 1921, your Board of Selectmen, acting under the authority granted you by the statutes of the Commonwealth, appointed this your first Board of Fire Engineers, consisting of three members.
This Board of Engineers, after taking their oath of office, organized by appointing Arnold C. Perham as chief of the department. Loren J. Ellinwood as first assistant engineer and John E. Hogan as second assistant engineer. John E. Hogan was appointed as clerk of the board.
This Board of Fire Engineers is the administrative authority of the fire department, and has general supervision and expenditure of the appropriations made for the fire department.
At the time it came into authority, there was no general system of fire department organization in effect in town. We have formulated and put in practice a plan as the foundation for the present and future orderly and efficient conduct of the department.
We have divided the town area into five districts, with one piece of motorized equipment located in each district. This arrangement provides each district with equipment and an organized and trained force to suppress a fire in its incipiency. or to check a fire until additional aid can arrive from other districts, each or all of which is always subject ro call if needed by any district threatened by fire.
The motorized equipment furnished by the town was recommended by an Investigating Committee, appointed by vote of the regular town meeting in February, 1921, and bought for the town by a Purchasing Committee, appointed by the vote of the town at a special town meeting held in May, 1921.
District No. 1 comprises territory known as Precinct No. 1, and is equipped with a double tank combination chemical and hose car motorized.
(1922 photo, Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
District No. 2 comprises territory known as Precinct No. 2, and is equipped with a triple combination (pump, hose, chemical) car motorized.
District chief Joseph Ryan at the wheel (Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
District No. 3 comprises territory known as Precinct No. 3 and slight changes, and is equipped with a double tank chemical car motorized.
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
District No. 4 comprises territory known as Precinct No. 4, and is equipped with a double tank chemical car motorized.
District Chief Henry G. Quinn driving with George McNulty riding the rear step
(1922 photo, Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
District No. 5 comprises all the territory of Chelmsford bounded as follows: Beginning at an iron pin set in rock at top of Robin Hill, thence in a straight line to Chelmsford-Westford road stone at Chamberlin's Corner Road, near Ward's Corner, thence along Chelmsford-Westford town line to Carlisle line, thence along Carlisle line to Chelmsford-Carlisle road stone on Carlisle Road, thence in a straight line to point of beginning. This district is equipped with a double tank chemical car motorized.
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
The equipment of Districts No. 1, No. 2, No. 5 is each housed in property owned by the town. The equipment of Districts No. 3 and No. 4 is each housed in rented property.
Districts No. 1 and No. 2 each have a permanent man who cares for the equipment and property a certain number of hours each day and is subject to call and service if emergency arises during 24 hours of the day, for each of the seven days per week.
A local fire fighting organization has been established in each district, each with its proper officers and regular and call men trained by practice to its duties. Each local organization is part of the component whole - the Chelmsford Fire Department - and is subject to the statutes of the Commonwealth and the printed rules and regulations established by this board of engineers.
Read the 1921
The district chiefs of each company are appointed annually by the Board of Engineers on or before May 15, to hold office until the following May 1, or until their successors are appointed, unless sooner removed by said Board of Engineers.
The district chiefs appointed by us during our term of office to date, are:
- District No. 1, Walter S. Fletcher, Chelmsford Centre.
- District No. 2, Joseph D. Ryan, North Chelmsford.
- District No. 3, Elmer Trull, West Chelmsford.
- District No. 4, Henry Quinn, East Chelmsford.
- District No. 5, William E. Belleville, South Chelmsford.
At present our plan for emergency fire alarms comprises the use of church bells at the Centre, North and South villages. West Chelmsford and East Chelmsford companies have, by public subscription, raised funds and installed an electric siren fire alarm in each respective village. We hope to see a system of electric fire alarm gradually and prudently established throughout the town.
The establishment of this equipped and organized department should place the property of our citizens in a higher insurance classification, which will mean lower insurance rates and save the tax payers more than the cost of the equipment and the maintenance of the department.
The buildings owned by the town where the fire equipment is housed will require some slight necessary repairs. Some time in the future the need of improved buildings for the department equipment and organizations will require attention.
Since our appointment to this board the department has been called to fifteen fires, classified as follows: Six automobile fires in the streets and highways, seven building fires, one bridge fire, one lumber pile fire. The total loss by these fires was about $7,740.00. The value of property endangered was about $38,775.00.
Emergency instruction cards giving instructions what to do and how to notify their company in event of fires in District No. 3 have been printed and distributed to each family by the West Chelmsford organization of that district. We hope to have similar instruction cards printed and distributed in each of the other districts, advising their inhabitants what to do and how to get prompt assistance from their respective companies in event of need.
While this department is to a certain extent subject to the statutes of the Commonwealth it is essentially a volunteer department, and some of its reliability and service depends upon the business management by a Board of Engineers. Much also depends upon the loyalty and service of the citizen members of the several companies constituting the department. Service and sacrifice are elements of the highest type of citizenship.
Report of the Forest Warden
In the past year, the expense of extinguishing forest fires has been somewhat greater than in other years, owing to the fact that there were 118 fires, as compared to only 55 for the year 1920. There were 20 fires caused by sparks from locomotives, which were extinguished by the forest warden or his deputies, for which the Railroads will reimburse the town about $30.00.
Of the appropriations of $500 and $250, there is a balance which reverts to the town of $131.06, which compares favorably with other years and makes the average cost per fire $5.23 for 1921, against $7.60 for 1920.
The law in regard to permits is, that a permit to start a fire in the open air is required after the first day of MARCH and from then until the first day of December.
The slash law now in effect requires that all slash resulting from cutting shall be removed at least 40 feet back from edge of cutting and forty feet back from edge of any road or highway.
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Chief First Assistant Engineer Second Assistant Engineer and Clerk |
District Chiefs No. 1 Walter S. Fletcher No. 2 Joseph D. Ryan No. 3 Elmer Trull No. 4 Henry Quinn No. 5 William E. Belleville |
Board of Fire Engineers Forest Warden |
1922
Annual Town Meeting February 13, 1922
Under Article 20.
Voted that the Town borrow the sum of $2850 with which to purchase a site, on
the Frank Loucraft lot, so-called, situated on Gorham Street, East Chelmsford,
for and build a fire station at East Chelmsford, at a rate of interest not
exceeding six per cent, per annum, payable semi-annually, and issue therefor
five promissory notes, each for the principal sum of one-fifth of the total
amount borrowed, payable at the expiration of one, two, three, four and five
years from the date thereof; such note or notes to be signed by the Treasurer
and countersigned by a majority of the Board of Selectmen. 112 voted Yes and one
voted No. Building committee chosen were, Henry F. Devine, A. Samuel Gustafson,
George A. McNulty, K. Wilson Dix, Birger Peterson, Joseph H. Scoble and Henry G.
Quinn.
Under Article 22.
Voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $600 for the purchase of fire hose,
the same to be expended under the general direction of the Board of Fire
Engineers.
Under Article 23, voted that the Board of Fire Engineers be and they hereby are authorized and empowered to sell at public auction or private sale, as they may think advisable, the following property belonging to the Town, viz. : Two hose reels, one harness, two wagons, and a small building located near North Chelmsford Town Hall.
Under Article 24.
Voted that the Board of Fire Engineers be and they hereby are authorized and
empowered to use and store the fire apparatus and other property in their charge
from time to time in such part or parts of the Town as they may think advisable.
Special Town Meeting May 18, 1922
Under Article 3.
Voted to raise and appropriate from money in the hands of the Treasurer, the sum
of $36.83 with which to pay outstanding bills of the Fire Department for the
year ending Dec. 31, 1921.
Special Town Meeting July 27, 1922
Under Article 8.
Voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $500 with which to equip the new fire
house now under construction at East Chelmsford.
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers
Last year, the Board of Engineers divided the territory of the Town into five districts and placed the motorized apparatus furnished by the Town, one piece of apparatus in each district. This arrangement has been continued this year. The location and description of each piece of apparatus was explained in our annual report of 1921. This arrangement provides each district with motorized equipment and an organized company to suppress a fire in its early stage, or to check a fire until additional aid can arrive from other districts each or all of which is always subject to call if needed by any district threatened by fire. Each company is organized with proper officers and each company has its own social organization and is provided with an apartment for its social activities.
Emergency cards giving instruction what to do to notify each local company in case of fire have been printed and distributed in each district to each and every family.
During the year the Board has purchased 1300 ft. of new standard size fire hose to replace the hose inherited from a previous organization which hose had become useless because of age and service.
For the better protection, care and economy of handling the costly apparatus in District No. 1, the apparatus in that district has been removed from the old fire house in the rear of the Town Hall and is now stationed in the new, modern Chelmsford garage at the Centre Village.
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
The nucleus of a Gamewell system of fire alarm with its striking hammer attached to the bell of the Unitarian Church in the Centre village has been installed in that District by a special committee appointed at Town Meeting in 1922. We hope to see this system gradually and economically extended.
Vice-President Calvin Coolidge, while Governor of this Commonwealth, said. ''Work worth while comes from the soul of the people." The loyalty, courage and service of the members of the Chelmsford Fire Department fighting fires during the past year are a splendid vindication of that principle. We give them deserved praise. The campaign against fire is a never ending fight and calls for as careful preparation as for the suppression of an enemy of civilization. The protection must come not merely from better fire departments and building laws, but from educating every family and every member of every family to recognize causes of danger, and to practice habits of consideration and carefulness If this could be done, fire would almost cease to be a public peril.
With this need in mind we have been seeking wisdom from sources of wider experience than ours. As there is not space in this report to furnish you the valuable information that we have secured, we earnestly advise each family in Chelmsford to send 10 cents to Frederic J. Haskins, Director of the U. S. Information Bureau, Washington, D. C, and procure a publication entitled, "Safeguarding the Home Against Fire." We also earnestly advise every farmer in Chelmsford to send to same address and procure Bulletin No. 904, entitled, "Fire Protection on the Farm." A study of the publications issued by our Government at Washington is an education both to the adult and the child and should serve to make better citizenship and prevent much loss of property by fires.
The owners of property located away from water pressure service, and the farmer, can help this department to protect their property in time of fire on said property, by excavating a good size pocket in the brook near their buildings, thus making a reservoir of water accessible to our pumping apparatus so we can have a supply of water to force a stream on fire endangered property. When such reservoir is completed, each owner should notify the Board of Fire Engineers of its exact location.
For months we have been working to get lower fire insurance rates for the property owners of Chelmsford because of the Town having installed motorized fire fighting apparatus. The result is lower fire insurance rates now in effect as follows :
- Property insured in the water districts of Chelmsford Centre and North Chelmsford is now in class C (raised from class D) giving lower rates.
- Property located within one mile of the fire stations of East Chelmsford, South Chelmsford and West Chelmsford is now insured in class E (raised from class F) giving lower rates.
The best test of a system is what it accomplishes. The Chelmsford Fire Department has saved more taxable property from destruction by fire during the year than the cost of all the apparatus. Have faith in your Fire Department. It is saving you fire insurance money each year now, and with its motorized apparatus and organization is protecting your property from the fire hazard.
Report of the Forest Warden
Gentlemen : The season of 1922 was the worst on record for forest fires in the Town as well as in the State, owing to the extremely high winds. That we had no serious fires was very fortunate. This was due in several instances to the assistance rendered by the new fire apparatus. I wish to thank the fire department for the help given to the Forest Warden and I hope, and recommend, that the two departments may be merged and brought under one head.
The balance of the appropriation, after the fire season, has been spent for supplies and repairs for next season.
Owing to other business I regret to say that I will be unable to continue as Forest Warden for the Town but will gladly render what assistance I can. in the future.
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Chief First Assistant Engineer Second Assistant Engineer and Clerk |
District Chiefs No. 1 Wilhelm T. Johnson No. 2 Joseph D. Ryan No. 3 Archibald Cooke No. 4 Henry Quinn No. 5 William E. Belleville |
Board of Fire Engineers Forest Warden |
1923
District No. 1 Chief Wilhelm T. Johnson in the truck with Ray Sargent behind the wheel
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Annual Town Meeting February 12, 1923
Under Article 8.
Voted to appropriate from money already in the hands of the Treasurer the sum of
$78.55 with which to reimburse the North Chelmsford Fire District for accidental
damage to a hydrant on or about September 19, 1022. at North Chelmsford by an
automobile driven by a Special Officer of the Town while in the performance of
his official duties.
Under Article 21.
Voted that the Town accept the provisions of Section G Chapter 148 of the
General Laws relating to fire prevention.
Special Town Meeting April 30, 1923
Article 3, at the request of the Westlands Improvement Association, to see if the Town will authorize the use of a portion of the Westlands School property adjacent to the land known as the Curtin Place on the Dalton Road as a site for the Fire House now located on Chelmsford Street near the "Subway," so-called; or act in relation thereto. It was voted to dismiss this Article.
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers
This, our report for the year 1923, is a plain tale of what we have been doing to guide your Fire Department into durable and permanent service for the fire protection of the town. It also contains information and instruction that should aid this department to function effectively and prudently.
The same district locations of the five pieces of motorized apparatus have been continued as in previous years because that arrangement gave the most prompt and effective service to each district in time of fire peril. The district companies have held practice drills at intervals during the summer months, that each fireman may know his duty to perform when required to meet conditions of an actual fire. This practice experience has produced prompt, intelligent action in time of real need—it helped to avoid confusion.
In pursuance of our duties as Fire Engineers of the Town, we have made a general inspection of the public schools and town halls, and have submitted our recommendations to the proper officials for what we consider protective action regarding those Town properties.
The hose house at the Westlands has been removed to a new location and some repairs made to it.
Necessary repairs have been made to the fire station at South Chelmsford.
The new fire station at East Chelmsford has not been turned over to the authority of this Board, but we have made arrangements with the Building Committee so that the new building is now used by the local company for housing of the chemical truck of that district.
George McNulty riding the rear step (Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
We have purchased 500 feet of new standard fire hose to replace hose that, because of long life and use, has become unfit for dependable fire service.
The lower insurance rates procured last year for the property owners continue in force.
While we realize that it is the duty of the Fire Department to suppress and extinguish all fires, we also realize that it is the duty of this Board to urge that precautions be taken to avoid fires, that our citizens should avoid causes of danger by removing dangerous conditions. Fewer fires would occur if the people were more careful with matches, lighted cigarettes, kerosene, and unclean chimneys. Experience should teach us Caution, Prudence, Prevention.
In a majority of fires a quick response with chemicals plays a more important role than water streams which sometimes entail much damage from water alone. Your firemen are instructed in working to keep down the water damage, but they cannot do this unless they get the alarm in time to use chemicals, otherwise the use of water will become necessary. An improved fire alarm system through the town is a needed addition for dependable quick response by the department.
Our State Laws require every proprietor who stores or sells gasoline, or conducts a public garage, to obtain a license from the Board of Selectmen and a permit from the Fire Department chief. Storage or sale of fireworks, firecrackers and torpedoes, requires a permit from the fire chief. Your attention is called to the State Law governing the keeping, storage and use of oil in buildings in connection with light fuel oil heating apparatus. A permit from the fire chief is required for all installations having a storage capacity over twenty gallons of oil, and no light fuel oil burner shall be used unless it has been approved by the State fire marshal. Permits are also required from the fire chief for the removal of storage tanks which have been used for gasoline.
Careful consideration should be given the Centre and North villages regarding new fire stations and their locations. The locations should be decided first, then, when building costs permit, the new houses should have serious consideration. We suggest that a small committee be carefully chosen to investigate conditions and report to the Town at a later Town meeting.
The only costly fire that we had to lose was the Boston ice houses at Crystal Lake, North Chelmsford. The ice houses were a total loss. The conditions were such that all the fire apparatus in Massachusetts could not have saved the burning buildings. We only saved the large barn and contents.
Report of the Forest Warden
During the past year the work of the Forest Warden Dept. and the Fire Dept. has been combined as much as possible. The district fire chiefs were each appointed deputy forest wardens in their districts, with authority to issue fire permits and have charge of all forest fires. They were instructed to co-operate with the fire observer on Robin Hill and to extinguish the brush and grass fires in their districts with as little expense as possible. Most fires were handled by a. few men rather than by the whole fire company and the fire trucks were not used except when the fire was of a threatening character.
Four deputy forest wardens other than the district fire chiefs were appointed as follows: Donald Adams, Fred L. Fletcher, Walter Merrill and Fred Merrill, and did good co-operative work in their different localities.
About 350 permits were issued for fires in the open air. Several fire calls were received where persons were found to be burning brush without the necessary permit and in each case the parties paid the expense of extinguishing the fire rather than go to court. Permits are required from March 1 to December 1.
There were 74 fires during the year, of which 37 were grass fires and 37 were brush and woodland fires. Twenty-seven of the fires were caused by the railroad locomotives.
An inspection of all the property of the department was made late in December. It seems quite probable that an auto truck would be advisable in the near future for this department.
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Chief Assistant Engineer and Clerk Assistant Engineer |
District Chiefs Board of Fire Engineers |
Forest Warden Deputy Forest Wardens |
1924
Annual Town Meeting February 11, 1924
Under Article 1.
To hear reports of Officers and Committees: For the East Chelmsford Fire House
Building committee Henry Devine reported that all moneys had been spent and that
the building was completed, the report was accepted.
Under Article 35.
Voted that the sum of two thousand ($2000.00) dollars be raised and appropriated
for the purpose of installing and improving the fire alarm system and equipment
of the Town said sum to be expended by a committee of three appointed by the
moderator. Arnold Perham, Loren Ellinwood and John J. Hogan were appointed as a
committee.
Under Article 36.
Voted that a committee of three be appointed by the Moderator to investigate and
report at the next Town meeting relative to the purchase of land for fire house
sites. Perley W. Kimball, David Billson and M. Edward Riney were appointed as a
committee.
Special Town Meeting May 19, 1924
Under Article 1.
Voted that the Fire Engineers be and they are hereby authorized to sell either
at public auction or by advertised bids, the old Fire Wagon now kept at South
Chelmsford.
Under Article 11.
Voted to accept as a gift from the Village Improvement Association of the Centre
Village the Fire Whistle and equipment already installed in the Centre Town
Hall.
(Chelmsford Historical Society Collection)
Board of Fire Engineers' Report
The original plan of four years ago, of locating one motorized fire truck in each of the five villages of our town has been justified by results because in the event of fire menace in any village the local truck is there to furnish immediate service and its presence has saved much property by quickly attacking fires in their early stages. Again, if any of these fire trucks should be removed from any village, up would go the insurance rates of that locality to their former level before your department was installed there.
The five pieces of motorized apparatus are in splendid mechanical condition - ready at all times for immediate and strenuous service. The several companies of the department have held practice drills at intervals during the year, that each man may understand his duties and acquire skill and speed in his effective performance in time of actual fires.
The lower insurance rates procured by the installation of your fire department for the property owners continues in force, and yet lower rate may be obtained later by improved Are station buildings, fire alarm extensions and service. Plans for the improvement of the fire alarm conditions and service have been placed in operation.
Last year (1923) the Village Improvement Society of Chelmsford Center installed in the town hall of that district a powerful whistle with electric motor, air compressor and two air tanks for the fire service, and presented the same to the Town. A splendid example of what united effort can generously accomplish for the public service.
This year, at the last Annual Town Meeting, $2000.00 was appropriated for the installation of a fire alarm system. With this money your Board of Fire Engineers has purchased and installed in the Center and in the North villages the basis of a Gamewell Fire Alarm System as described herein.
For the Center village this Board has purchased and installed a Motor Generator Set, a two circuit switch board, a transmitter, an iron battery rack with 30 cell battery, one outside street fire alarm box, which with the air compressor, air tanks and whistle equipment given the town last year by the local village improvement society provides this district with the basis of a modern fire alarm system.
For the North village this Board has purchased and installed a Motor Generator Set, a two circuit switch board, a transmitter, an iron battery rack with 30 cell battery, a whistle machine, and one outside street fire alarm box. In this district the Silesia Mills of the United States Worsted Co. furnish the steam power and the whistle for the fire alarms during all of the 24 hours of every day of the year at no expense to the town, which is another splendid act of generous public service.
In addition to these public spirited acts the Middlesex County Training School, Geo. C. Moore Wool Scouring Co., Proctor Lumber Co., Southwell Wool Combing Co. of the North district have each furnished an outside street fire alarm box and the funds to wire and install the same. These boxes are now being installed and connected with the North circuit and will soon be available to the fire service of that district for public needs The men of the fire service of this district are now installing these boxes and doing the necessary wiring at no expense to the town.
The final purchase and installation of this basic alarm system for the North district was made possible only because the members of the North Chelmsford Fire Company made a present of $500.00 to this Board, giving this sum from their Company Treasury. Another example of generous public spirit in your fire department. We used this money in the North district alarm system.
This installation of fire alarm system is a definite advance for the protection of life and property from fires in Chelmsford - it produces a quicker and more dependable arrival of motorized apparatus in these districts - it strengthens the position for more favorable insurance rates later - it should attract private, commercial and industrial investment to Chelmsford. This fire alarm equipment of both the Center and the North districts should be economically, gradually, annually, extended by additional boxes in the streets, eventually becoming an effective, modern system without sudden large expense to the taxpayers.
The Ladder House in the West village which was built in 1886 was ordered removed by the owners of the land on which it was located, and it has been taken away and rebuilt on the property of Mr. L. J. Ellinwood at the West fire station.
This Board has purchased 400 feet of new 2 1/2 inch fire hose to improve our fire fighting strength and to replace old hose worn by service.
Report of the Forest Warden
The Forest Warden and Fire Departments have continued the same co-operative plan as last year. The District Fire Chiefs were appointed Deputy Forest Wardens in their districts, with authority to issue fire permits and have charge of the forest and grass fires. Most fires were handled by a few men, rather than by the whole fire company, and the fire trucks were not used unless conditions seemed to require them. Four deputy Forest wardens, other than the district Fire chiefs were appointed, namely: Allan Adams, Fred L. Fletcher, Walter Merrill and Fred Merrill. All have done good work.
About 400 permits for fires in the open were issued between March 1st and December 1st. The deputy wardens have responded to 129 fires during the year, a much larger number than usual. The prompt response to the fire calls, which usually come from the Fire Observer on Robin's Hill, when the fire first starts, have kept the fires very small and loss from same has not exceeded $250.00. Fifty-two fires were caused by engine sparks and the others by the carelessness of boys, berry pickers and smokers, with a few exceptions from fireworks and bonfires. Sixty-seven were grass fires, and 62 bonfires or brush and woodland fires All fires have been reported to the State Fire Warden and notices have been posted as required by law. Fires were located as follows: Fire District No. 1, 67; No. 2, 18; No. 3, 2; No. 4, 10; No. 5, 32.
|
Chief Assistant Engineer and Clerk Assistant Engineer |
District Chiefs Board of Fire Engineers |
Forest Warden Deputy Forest Wardens |
1925
It was restored after this circa 1925 fire (Chelmsford Historical Society Collection)
Annual Town Meeting February 9, 1925
Under Article 17.
To hear the report and act on the same of the Committee appointed under Article
36 of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting of the year 1924 for the purpose
of investigating and to report their recommendations as to the purchase of land
for additional fire house sites. This Committee reported as follows: This
Committee visited the different Villages of the Town and found South Chelmsford
and East Chelmsford satisfactory as far as fire house sites are concerned, West
Chelmsford should have a suitable one when a suitable location can be found,
this department now houses the apparatus in a private building which is
satisfactory for the present. It seemed to the Committee that the North Village
and the Centre Village are in need of immediate attention, the present fire
house in the North Village is not located near enough to the center of the
village for efficient results from a department made up of volunteers, nor its
location satisfactory for quick action in protecting the village, we therefore
recommend the purchase of a new site nearer the square.
The apparatus at the Centre Village is now housed in a public garage which is
very satisfactory, but may not be available much longer, we were unable to
secure a suitable site in the Centre Village and recommend that since the new
grammar school is to be built that the present building be used as a fire house.
There is an article in the Warrant relative to this which will come up later, .
this report was presented by Perley W. Kimball for the Committee who consist of
Perley W. Kimball, M. Edward Riney and David Billson. The report was accepted
and the Committee discharged.
Under Article 18.
Voted that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $2200.00 with which to
purchase land owned by Walter Marinel on Middlesex Street, North Chelmsford to
be used for a. fire house site. A hand vote was taken and 102 voted in the
affirmative and 100 voted in the negative.
Under Article 19.
Voted that a Committee consisting of Arnold C. Perham, John E. Hogan and Loren
J. Ellinwood be and hereby are appointed to purchase the land under the vote
taken under Article 18 of this meeting.
Under Article 36.
Voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1000.00 for the purpose of improving
the Fire Alarm System and extending the same.
Under Article 37.
Voted that the Town purchase an additional Chemical Truck for the Fire Dept. to
be located at East Chelmsford and authorize the Board of Fire Engineers to turn
in the present Chemical Truck belonging to the Town now located there, as part
payment for such new truck, and that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of
$3250.00 with which to pay the balance of the purchase price.
Special Town Meeting May 5, 1925
Under Article 1.
On a motion made by John C. Monahan, that this article be left with the Board of
Fire Engineers to report on at the next Annual Town Meeting, an amendment was
made to the motion that the Engineers also study and report the needs of South
Chelmsford and West Chelmsford Fire Departments, the amendment was carried and
it was so voted.
Board of Fire Engineers' Report
The Fire Alarm System in the Town has been greatly improved in the last year. In the Centre and Westland the necessary wiring has been completed for the future installation of more street alarm boxes. At the corner of Billerica and Wilson streets there has been a master box installed. In the West Village the men of the fire service are now installing a box (to be located in the square) and doing the necessary wiring to connect with the North Village system.
A new siren was purchased for District No. 4. This and one taken from the local fire house were installed at the school house.
In the East Village a Federal-Knight double tank chemical car was purchased, later a tank was taken from the Ford chemical car and installed on the new truck, making a three-tank chemical car, thus giving much better fire protection for District No. 4. The Board thinks that careful consideration should be given the Centre and West Villages regarding new fire house sites.
Gilbert H. Perham is seen here circa 1935 after the truck had been transferred to the Forest Warden's department
and modified with a portable pump behind the drivers seat and large hose reel.
(Chelmsford Historical Society Collection)
Board of Fire Engineers' Report
Permits for fires in the open air are required between March 1st and Dec. 1st, and may be obtained from the District Chiefs in the various fire districts with the exception of District No. 1, where they must be obtained from Allan Adams. About 600 permits have been issued during the past year.
There have been 125 fires during the past year, located as follows: District No. 1, 65; No. 2, 16; No. 3, 1; No. 4, 19; No. 5, 24. The fires in Districts No. 1 and No. 5 have been caused largely by engine sparks, while the majority of the rest have been caused by careless smokers and by children.
There were several serious fires in the Ledge Hill section at North Chelmsford which caused an unusual expense to the Town. It will be necessary this year to replace a part of the forestry equipment. Several of the extinguishers are useless through hard usage and others «are in such a condition that they are unsafe to use.
|
Chief Assistant Engineer and Clerk Assistant Engineer |
District Chiefs Board of Fire Engineers |
Forest Warden Deputy Forest Wardens |
1926
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Annual Town Meeting February 8, 1926
Under Article 21.
It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum $1,000.00 for the purpose of
improving and extending the Fire Alarm System, the money to be expended under
the direction of the Board of Fire Engineers.
Under Article 22.
It was voted to appoint a Committee to investigate and report at the next annual
Town Meeting as to the advisability of obtaining a fire house site at the West
Village, the Committee to be appointed by the Moderator, the Moderator appointed
as this Committee David Billson, Elmer Trull and Edwin Stearns.
Under Article 23.
The Committee appointed at the Special Town Meeting May 5, 1925 to investigate
the need of better fire protection in the Centre, South and West Villages,
particularly with reference to the pumper report as follows:
- In the Centre we recommend that a site be secured at once for
the erection in the near future of a fire house large enough to
properly accommodate the necessary fire apparatus, the fire alarm
system and supplies.
- We recommend the gradual extension of the fire alarm system by
the addition of a number of fire alarm boxes annually and also the
installation of at least one auxiliary alarm box in the high school
and the new grade school for better protection of lives and
property.
- We recommend the immediate purchase of a new motor pumper, or
triple combination as it is called of not less than 500 gallons
capacity rather than to install a pump of the present double
combination which is over four years old and was not built to
accommodate a pump. To install such a pump would cost three fifths
the price of a new one and when complete would be of small capacity
and questionable durability.
- A pumper located at the Centre would afford protection to much
property outside of the hydrant area but near available water ways,
this applies to the South Village to a great extent. Water can be
pumped from Baptist Pond and the outlet brook River Meadow Brook and
Beaver Brook there are 134 houses and 64 Barns besides many other
buildings such as garages, hen houses, ice and greenhouses all
within 1500 feet of the named water ways. The above property with
contents has an estimated market or insurance value of about one
half million dollars and is one quarter million dollars which of
course does not include the exempt property such as furniture, hay
and farm implements etc. or land.
- It was suggested to the Committee that a dry hydrant could be
located in the square at the South Village and connected with the
pond therefore we caused a survey to be made which showed the square
to be 11 feet higher than the surface of the pond. We wish to extend
our thanks to J. C. and W. T. Monahan, C. E., who made this survey
for us without remuneration. There are many other places from which
water could be pumped such as the Concord River, the Lowell hydrants
at the Town Line on Gorham Street and Carlisle Street, numerous
wells, cisterns and small brooks that contain water six months in a
year.
- We find that the West Village can be effectively covered by the
pumper at the North Village except where the distance of the fire
from Stony Brook was too far to be reached by a small pump it would
then be necessary to call for a larger one if we had it at the
Centre. We suggest that a Committee be appointed to investigate
relative to the need of a fire house site in the West Village.
- We especially recommend that property owners in sections not
having an adequate water supply available for use by a pumper take
steps where possible to provide a water hole or basin near their
buildings. This could well be done by groups of owners of little
expense to each.
ARNOLD C. PERHAM
ARCHIBALD COOKE
DAVID BILLSON
Committee.
It was voted that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $7500.00 for the purchase of a triple combination motor pumper for the use of the Fire Department. The purchasing committee to be the Board of Fire Engineers, Arnold Perham, David Billson and Archibald Cooke.
Driver Wilhelm Johnson, passenger Edward Dryden; standing: unknown, Leslie Reid, Gilbert Perham
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Under Article 24.
In regards to the selling of one piece of motor fire apparatus belonging to the
Fire Department it was voted to dismiss this article.
Special Town Meeting June 9, 1926
UNDER ARTICLE 2.
Voted to appropriate from money already in the hands of the Treasurer the sum of
seventy-five dollars for the purpose of reimbursing Walter N. Marinel for 1925
taxes on land conveyed to the Town as a site for a fire house at No. Chelmsford.
UNDER ARTICLE 12.
Voted to appoint a committee of three, namely, Harry L. Shedd, Edward J.
Robbins, and Bayard C. Dean to procure plans and specifications for a Fire House
at No. Chelmsford and report at the next annual town meeting and that the sum of
$60.00 be appropriated from money already in the hands of the Treasurer for this
purpose.
Board of Fire Engineers' Report
This year at the last Annual Town Meeting $7,500.00 was appropriated for the purpose of purchasing one piece of Motor Fire Apparatus with this money your Board of Fire Engineers have purchased and installed in the Center Village a Maxim 500 gallon pumper which we think will be of great benefit for the protection of life and property and in the near future will help to reduce the tire insurance rates of the property owners in the Center Village.
Driver Wilhelm Johnson, passenger Edward Dryden; standing: Gilbert Perham, Leslie Reid, and Winslow George
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
The Alarm System of the Town has been greatly improved in the last year, for the Center Village and the Westlands two new alarms have been purchased and installed. The wiring on Dalton Road has been changed from temporary to stationary poles which will greatly improve the alarm system.
In the North Village two new Alarm Boxes have been purchased, one to be installed on the corner of the West Chelmsford and Groton Roads, and one to be installed on the corner of Dartmouth and Middlesex Streets, this work will be done in the course of a few weeks.
The Board of Selectmen and the School Committee have installed three auxiliary boxes one in the Town Hall and one in each of the Princeton Street School.
In the West Village there has been installed a whole new Gamewell System composed of the following, indicator, control box, battery rack, nine batteries, about two miles of wire and five outside alarm boxes, which were installed in the following places, corner of School and Main Streets, one in front of the home of Frank Edwards on Main Street, one on Jordan Street, one in front of the George E. Quessey School, and one on the corner of Graniteville and School Streets, this system was made possible partly by public subscription of the Village.
During the year your department has responded to 64 calls for building and automobile fires within the Town limits, and 8 calls from adjoining towns, and 50 grass and brush fires within the town to assist the Forest Warden Department.
Both the Center and North Companies were sent to the Pollard fire in Lowell upon call of the Fire Chief for help.
The attention of all persons is called to the law forbidding vehicles being driven over fire hose and the parking or driving automobiles where they will hinder the firemen or the apparatus in reaching and extinguishing fires.
Careful consideration should be given the Center and North Villages regarding new fire stations.
- On February 11. 1924 a committee of three was appointed to investigate and report at the following town meeting relative to the purchase of a fire house site in the Center Village, the recommendation of the committee was that the Old Grammar School be used as a fire station, we the Board of Fire Engineers recommend that the money be raised or appropriated for this purpose.
- Last year in the North Village the Town purchased a fire house site located in Vinal Square, this year the Board recommends that a new station be erected on this site, the present fire house is not located near enough to the center of the village for efficient results or response to fires.
The State law requires that all threads, hose couplings and connections be standardized, this we have done according to law.
Report of the Forest Warden
In September the resignation of Allan Adams as Deputy Warden was accepted with regret as he has given very efficient service.
There have been 120 fires during the year, some of which due to, the very dry season, had been very difficult to extinguish. Permits for fires in the open air are required by state law between March 1st and Dec. 1st. Permits may be obtained in the various precincts as follows: Prec. 1, Ray E. Sargent; Prec. 2, Joseph Ryan; Prec. 3, Archie Cook; Prec. 4, Otto Grantz; Prec. 5, Sidney Dupee and Prec. 6, Robert Henderson.
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Chief Assistant Engineer and Clerk Assistant Engineer |
District Chiefs Board of Fire Engineers |
Forest Warden Deputy Forest Wardens |
1927
Annual Town Meeting February 14, 1927
Under Article 34.
It was voted to accept the following report and place the same on file, as
follows: At a Special Meeting held on Wednesday Evening, June 9th, 1926, under
Article 12, a committee of three were appointed namely, Harry L. Shedd, Edward
J. Robbins and Bayard C. Dean to procure plans and specifications for a fire
house at North Chelmsford and report at the next Annual Town Meeting, your
committee respectfully submits the following report: Your committee met at North
Chelmsford on June 14, 1926, and organized as follows, Harry L. Shedd, chairman
and Bayard C. Dean secretary. A tour of inspection of fire houses was made by
the full committee and in addition to the committee Chief Ryan of North
Chelmsford department. Several fire houses were viewed. Your committee decided
that a fire house in Billerica Centre came the nearest to fulfilling the
requirements at North Chelmsford. Several architects were invited to submit
plans and specifications, but only one responded, Mr. Albert MacNaughton of
Arlington, who furnished plans and specifications for the Billerica fire house.
Your committee received bids from six different contractors. The bids ranged
from $24,875.00 for two story and $21,400.00 for one story, without heat, to
$13,900.00 two story $11,600.00 one story complete. You will note in Article No.
34 that an appropriation of $19,000.00 is asked for. This was necessary because
we did not have any official bids to go by, all we had was an estimate. Your
committee recommended that an appropriation of $15,000.00 if it is decided to
build the two story house and $12,500.00 if the one story house. The committee
will leave plans and specifications in the hands of the Moderator so that any
citizen who wishes may view them.
Signed,
HARRY L. SHEDD,
EDWARD J. ROBBINS,
BAYARD C. DEAN,
Committee.
On a motion made by Mr. Shedd to raise and appropriate the sum of $12, 500.00
for the purpose of building a new fire house at North Chelmsford the motion was
defeated.
Under Article 35.
In regards to the appointment of a committee to build a fire station at North
Chelmsford this Article became automatically dismissed.
Under Article 36.
In regards to remodeling the old grammar school on the North Road at the Centre
for fire house purposes it was voted to dismiss this Article.
Report of Board of Fire Engineers
Your attention is called to the law requiring persons storing explosives (which includes gasoline) to obtain a permit from the Chief of the Department, after obtaining a license from the Selectmen
Careful consideration should be given the Center and North Villages regarding new fire stations, we recommend that suitable fire houses be constructed.
The alarm system has been greatly improved this year. In the Center Village alarm wire has been installed on Acton, High and Bartlett Sts. And we have installed three new alarm boxes, one at the corner of High and Acton Sts. one on Bartlett St. near corner of High St. and one at Fletcher Square. And one box in the Westlands at the junction of Chelmsford St. and Dalton Rd.
In the North Village we have re-placed about one mile of wire, and installed two new alarm boxes, one at the corner of Middlesex and Dartmouth Sts. and one at the corner of West Chelmsford and Groton Roads. In the West Village the battery system has been changed which will greatly improve the alarm system in that part of the Town.
We have made a change in the location of the apparatus at the North Village, it now being located at the garage of the District Chief in Vinal Square, (Percy Robinson) by so doing better service has resulted as well as a saving in maintenance costs.
Forest Warden's Report
There have been 131 grass and brush fires in the town during the past year. The most serious fire occurred at North Chelmsford on April 16 and 17, when a large area was burned over.
|
Chief First Assistant Engineer and Clerk Second Assistant Engineer |
District Chiefs Board of Fire Engineers |
Forest Warden Deputy Forest Wardens |
1928
Annual Town Meeting February 13, 1928
Under Article 22.
On a motion made by Arnold C. Perham and amended by Representative Edward J
Robbins, it was voted to dispose of the Howe Fire Engine to the Boy Scouts of
Chelmsford by sale for fifty cents, and the use of same to be under the
directions of the various troop masters in Town.
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Special Town Meeting June 6, 1928
Under Article 10.
On a motion made by Selectmen George Rigby, it was voted to raise and
appropriate the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1000) for the purpose of
purchasing fire hose for the Fire Department.
Report of Board of Fire Engineers
During the year the Fire Department experienced a serious loss in the retirement from active service of its former chief, Arnold C. Perham. Mr. Perham has been associated with the department for over twenty years. The last seven of which he filled the position of Chief, and it has been largely due to his conscientious effort that the department has been brought to its present state of efficiency.
At the present time we have five organized volunteer departments with seven pieces of motorized apparatus, five major pieces, and an auxiliary truck, a forestry truck equipped with a twenty-five gallon chemical tank and ten two and one-half gallon extinguishers.
There is a total enrollment of 125 men, regular and call in the various departments. Each department is equipped with a fire alarm system, three of which register box numbers. We contemplate doing considerable work on the truck at North Chelmsford. We have had an expert from the American-LaFrance Co. make a thorough inspection of the pump and he has advised us that for a sum not to exceed five hundred dollars it can be put in perfect condition. We feel in the interest of economy that this should be done as the truck will be capable of several years more of efficient service.
Last year the Town appropriated the sum of One Thousand Dollars for the purchase of fire hose. There is still a considerable quantity of questionable strength and we are asking for sufficient funds to replace any remaining old hose which may prove unserviceable.
The question of insuring the men of the different fire departments has been previously mentioned and has received the hearty approval of the Finance Committee. This year we are asking for One Hundred and Twenty-five Dollars to meet that item.
Under the present severe business depression it does not seem to be the proper time to launch out into any extensive improvements. At the same time we must not lose sight of the urgent need of permanent firehouses in the Center and North Villages.
Forest Warden's Report
A noticeable feature this year has been the marked decrease in railroad fires, only 5 having been reported in the town during the year. The principle cause of fires this year have been careless smokers. In District 4 the fires have been largely of incendiary origin.
The Forestry truck has been overhauled and painted and the equipment inspected and repaired.
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Chief First Assistant Engineer and Clerk Second Assistant Engineer |
District Chiefs Board of Fire Engineers |
Forest Warden Deputy Forest Wardens |
1929
Annual Town Meeting February 11, 1929
Under Article 24.
On a motion made by Archibald Cooke, it was voted to raise and appropriate for
the purpose of indemnifying Edward Dryden for injuries received and loss of
service received at the Wilson Fire on July 8, 1928, the sum of $82.50.
Under Article 25.
On a motion made by Sidney E. Dupee, it was voted; To raise and appropriate the
sum of $250 for the purchasing of three fire alarm boxes from the Gamewell Fire
Alarm Co. which are already installed at North Chelmsford. This sum of money to
be expended under the direction of the Fire Engineers.
Under Article 26.
In regards to the grading the grounds at the East Chelmsford Fire House, it was
voted to dismiss this article.
Special Town Meeting March 20, 1929
Under Article 4.
In regards to appropriating $250.00 or some other sum for the purpose of
purchasing supplies for the fire truck No. 4, on a motion made by J. C. Monahan,
it was voted; To dismiss this article.
Under Article 5.
On a motion made by Sidney Dupee, it was voted; That the Moderator appoint a
committee of five to investigate the advisability of purchasing a certain tract
of land with the buildings thereon, from Loren J. Ellinwood, on the northerly
side of Main Street in that part of Chelmsford called West Chelmsford, for the
purpose of establishing a fire house, said committee to make its report at the
next annual town meeting, the Moderator appointed the following committee,
Archibald Cooke, Sidney Dupee, Willis MacComb, Herbert C. Sweetser and Roger W.
Boyd. Mr. Sweetser declined to serve and the Moderator named James A. Grant in
Mr. Sweetser's place.
Special Town Meeting August 7, 1929
Under Article 6.
A motion to dismiss this article was made by Robert W. Barris, under Mr. Barris
motion it was voted not to dismiss this article. On a motion made by George
Rigby it was voted; to sell the land with the buildings thereon situated on the
Southerly side of Mt. Pleasant Street in that part of Chelmsford called North
Chelmsford, formerly used to house fire apparatus, that said property shall be
sold at public auction and by a duly licensed auctioneer. That the Board of
Selectmen shall be authorized and empowered to execute and deliver in behalf of
he Town a good and sufficient deed (Quitclaim) and that the sum of $50.00 be
appropriated to defray the expense of this sale.
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers
We have adopted a policy of insuring the men while on actual fire duty and going to and returning from a fire, the insurance is with the Massachusetts State Firemen's Association, an organization sponsored by the Commonwealth, which pays $2500 in case of death and proportionately for minor injuries, the cost is $1.00 a year per man and we feel that the slight expense is more than justified by the possible benefit which may be derived and the protection afforded the Town.
We have had the American LaFrance pumper at the North Village painted and the pump reconditioned, taut we have been advised that it is rapidly approaching the limit of usefulness as a piece of major apparatus and we wish to call the attention of the voters to the fact that it will be necessary o replace it with a new pump in another year at the latest.
After much negotiation the Gamewell Fire Alarm Co. of Boston has released their claim on the Fire Alarm System at the North Village, so that now the Town has a clear title to the property.
A new alarm system has been installed at East Village which is giving very satisfactory results.
The firehouse at the Center has been painted and the root re-shingled. The house at the South Village is in good condition, but extensive repairs will have to be made on the roof of the building at the East Village during the coming year.
We are asking for a special appropriation for fire hose this year, the appropriation made last year for this purpose was not sufficient to replace the amount broken and allowed nothing for building up a reserve to be used in an emergency, in many places outside the hydrant district it is necessary to pump for very long distances and old hose cannot stand the increased pressure. A sufficient supply of hose is about the most vital thing in maintaining an effective fire department and we feel that the need for this appropriation cannot be stressed too strongly.
Forest Warden's Report
When we consider the exceptionally dry season we must consider the town very fortunate that no large fires have occurred. The good work of Observer C. R. Blood in locating and reporting fires has done much toward keeping down the fire damage. The better understanding and observance of the permit law has also been an important factor in achieving this limit.
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Chief First Assistant Engineer and Clerk Second Assistant Engineer |
District Chiefs Board of Fire Engineers |
Forest Warden Deputy Forest Wardens |