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1930

Annual Town Meeting February 10, 1930

Under Article 18.
On a motion made by Sidney E. Dupee, it was voted to raise and appropriate $500.00 for the purpose of purchasing fire hose for the Fire Department, this money to be spent under the supervision of the Board of Fire Engineers.

Under Article 30.
Mr. Willis MacComb reported for the committee to investigate the subject matter of this article as follows: The committee appointed to investigate the advisability of purchasing Historical Hall for fire house purposes submit the following report: After considering the Fire Department needs at West Chelmsford and after making a thorough inspection of the building, we recommend that the Town purchase from Loren J. Ellinwood for the sum of $2000.00 Historical Hall in West Chelmsford with land and contents for Fire Department purposes.
 ARCHIBALD COOKE,
 SIDNEY E. DUPEE,
 J. A. GRANT,
 ROGER W. BOYD,
 WILLIS L. MacCOMB.
On a motion made by Willis L. MacComb, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Thousand Dollars for the purpose of purchasing from Loren J. Ellinwood a tract of land containing about 5300 square feet of land more or less, with the buildings thereon, and the contents therein situated on the westerly side of Main Street in that part of Chelmsford called West Chelmsford, the said property to be used as a fire station. The transaction to be under the supervision of the Board of Engineers who shall have power and authority to accept a good and sufficient deed from the owner in behalf of the Town of Chelmsford.

Special Town Meeting September 2, 1930

Under Article 1.
On a motion made by Archie Cooke, it was voted to transfer from the account entitled "Fund for the purchase of a highway truck" to the account entitled "Fund for the fire alarm system," six hundred dollars.

Report of Board of Fire Engineers

The Center Fire House has been sheaved with plaster board; the Maxim truck was sent away to be repaired and the pump brought up to pumping capacity.

In the North Village a new Alarm System has been installed.

In the West Village the men of the Department have remodeled their Fire House and made it a credit to the Town. The firemen are worthy of a lot of credit for the amount of work which they have accomplished in the last few months.

The roof on the East Village Fire House has been repaired.

We have had a new siren installed in the South Village which will greatly improve the service in that part of the Town.

In the Westlands a new Gamewell Alarm Box has been installed and we feel that one or two more boxes would be a great benefit to that part of the Village.

The Board recommends that a new pumping engine be purchased of at least 500 gallon capacity this coming year for the North Village.

Report of Forest Warden

There have been 179 forest and grass fires reported in Town during the past year. In the majority of cases they have been extinguished before gaining much headway, thanks to the good work of Observer Blood in quickly locating and reporting them. The principal cause of fires has been careless smokers. Railroad fires have been the lowest for years, only six having been reported.

The most serious fires occurred at North Chelmsford in May where much property on the Dunstable Road was endangered and help was called from Westford and Lowell. Many serious fires would be prevented if the owners of land would burn the grass along the highways in the early spring.

There have been two changes in the State fire laws which are of interest to the Town. Permits are now required throughout the year except when the ground is covered with snow. The second law requires the towns to maintain a fire patrol on the highways during such periods of drought as the State Forester considers a fire hazard.

It will be necessary to replace the Forestry truck this year. The present truck is 10 years old and is so badly worn as to be unfit for forest fire work.

1931

Annual Town Meeting February 9, 1931

Under Article 25.
On a motion made by Archibald Cooke it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Seventy-five Hundred Dollars (7500.00) for the purpose of purchasing a triple combination fire pumper for the use of the fire department in the North Village, this money to be expended under the supervision of the Board of Fire Engineers.

Under Article 40.
On a motion made by Archibald Cooke it was voted that the town vote to amend its by-laws by adding the following section. Section 13. "The Board of Fire Engineers may furnish on such occasions and to such extent as they deem advisable, the assistance of the Chelmsford fire department to another city, town, or fire district in extinguishing fire therein."

Under Article 43.
On a motion made by B. F. McGovern it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $30.00 for the purpose of purchasing a fire alarm tapper for the Police Department.

Report of Board of Fire Engineers

The Department has been greatly strengthened by the addition of a new pumper located at the North village, the pumper formerly at the latter place being transferred to the West Village.

The light Ford Chemical Truck has been stationed at the South Village while the heavy Brockway hose truck has been brought to the Centre where, with its reserve supply of hose, it can be quickly dispatched to any part of the town as needed.

The large portable chemical tank has been demounted from its wheels and installed on the truck at the East Village adding greatly to the efficiency of this truck.

The Board feels with this arrangement of equipment the Department is better able to cope with any ordinary situation that may arise within the town.

During the late summer several pumping tests were held, among the most noteworthy being:

1. At West Chelmsford with two pumpers taking water out of the Stony Brook at the railroad crossing.
2. At the Groton Road with three pumpers taking water out of Crystal Lake.
3. At South Chelmsford with three pumpers taking water out of Hart Pond.

These tests proved that property located as far away as a mile from the source of water supply could be adequately protected. The tests were attended by officials from neighboring departments including Lowell, who were most generous in their praise of these worthwhile efforts. We would take this opportunity of publicly thanking Chief Joseph D. Ryan, of District No. 2, by whose skillful planning these tests were made possible and to also include the other District Chiefs and the men who served under them and by their earnest enthusiasm made them a success.

There is still a considerable amount of farm property located where there is an inadequate supply of water and where the large pumpers cannot be made available. If a portable pump could be purchased and mounted on a light truck with a supply of 1-inch or 1 1/4-inch hose, and utilizing adjacent wells or small brooks, much of this class of property would receive better protection than it is now possible to give. We strongly recommend this addition to our present equipment at the earliest moment financial arrangements will permit.

Forest Warden - no report

1932

Report of Fire Engineers

One of the outstanding achievements of the year was the building and equipping of a completely furnished chemical truck by the members of the West Chelmsford Company under the direction of Chief Norman Edwards and Captain Elmer Trull. This piece of apparatus which possesses many new and novel features, was viewed by a number of fire chiefs and insurance men who pronounced it a finished product, one of the chiefs from Lowell stating that in his opinion a similar truck would cost at least $3000 if bought in the open market. It was presented to the town without cost and up to date has over 100 hours of service to its credit.

Telephones have been installed with men detailed in watches to answer any call day or night so that any citizen possessing a telephone is a potential fire alarm station. This means of giving a quick alarm together with the prompt response of the Department has resulted in a number of instances in preventing a serious fire loss.

Through the co-operation of District Chief Quinn, a quantity of filling was secured and the grounds around the fire house at East Chelmsford graded without cost to the town.

We would reiterate the need of a portable pump mounted on a light truck for use in sections where the water supply is inadequate for the large pumpers. We have felt that the town's finances under present conditions dc not warrant our asking for it at the moment but when the depression passes, we hope to obtain authority for the purchase of this much-needed apparatus at the earliest moment possible.

Report of Forest Warden

The principle cause of most fires has been from careless smokers. The throwing of lighted smoking material from automobiles is our worst hazard at this time. There is a law now in force which prohibits the throwing of lighted smoking material from any vehicle on a public or private way.

The most serious fire this year was in April on the land of The Crystal Lake Realty Corp., where more than 100 acres were burned. This fire started from the roadside, and but for the splendid work of the Chelmsford Fire Department, many buildings would have been destroyed.

At this time I wish to thank the citizens of Chelmsford for their co-operation with the forest warden in taking care of their fires in the open air.

1933

Report of the Board of Fire Engineers

Norman Edwards of District No. 3 was obliged to resign as of October 1 by reason of his moving out of town and the Board appointed Elmer Trull as District Chief in his place. We believe that Mr. Edwards' separation from the service is a distinct loss both to the town and the Department. Mr. Trull has been connected with the Department since its inception and his long and faithful service gives evidence that he will make an exceptionally efficient executive.

In order to afford the South Village adequate protection, it will be necessary to at once replace worn out apparatus and equipment with new. The present facilities have been repeatedly repaired but now it is imperative for the safety of the persons and property of our citizens as well as in the interests of economy that we secure new apparatus.

Three fires of major proportions in Lowell received substantial help from our Department which was gratefully acknowledged by the Mayor and City Council. In the serious fire at the Marist Brothers' School at Tyngsboro, the prompt and efficient' response of the Company at the North Village was undoubtedly the means of preventing the total destruction of that building.

We regret to note the passing of Observer Blood who has been of inestimable help to this Department and whose place it will be difficult to fill.

Report of the Forest Warden

The equipment of this department at the beginning of 1933 was in a very poor condition. Many hand extinguishers were entirely worn out and had to be replaced; others were reconditioned and tested before they were fit for service.

During my inspection of extinguishers in outside districts, some sixty in number, I found many that had not been tested for four years, and were beyond all usefulness. These had to be replaced either by new or reconditioned ones; making an added expense to the town.

At the close of the past year all hand equipment was in excellent condition, but we are badly in need of a new truck and a portable fire pump. Our truck is badly worn and out of date. In order to give the best possible service we should have a better truck equipped with a portable pump for use in outside districts. This pump would also be valuable for building fires where the water supply is limited and large pumping engines are useless.

1934

Annual Town Meeting February 12, 1934

Under Article 18:
On a motion made by John C. Monahan, in regard to the purchase
of an automobile for the Forest Fire Department, it was voted that this
matter be laid over until the next Annual Town Meeting.

Under Article 38:
On a motion made by Harry L. Shedd, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Twelve Hundred Dollars for the purpose of purchasing an automobile truck and the equipment incident thereto for use in the Fire Department.

Report of the Board of Fire Engineers

Elmer Trull, Chief of District No. 3, resigned as of January 1, 1935, and the Board appointed in his place Walter Edwards. We regret to record this change, because Mr. Trull has been connected with the Department since its inception, and his zealous and faithful service has been of inestimable value to the town. Mr. Edwards, a brother of a former Chief, is fitted both by experience and ability to ably discharge the duties of his office, and will, we believe, make a splendid administrative officer.

We have installed at South Chelmsford a new pumping engine which will adequately take care of this part of the town for some time to come. One of the features of this truck is the booster tank, which runs the entire length of the body, contains 250 gallons of water ready for instant use, and which can be played on a fire for 45 minutes without being renewed. This pumper has been characterized as one of the best of its kind in the state.

The old wooden floor in the fire house at South Chelmsford has been taken up and a permanent floor of concrete laid down.

With the generous assistance of the E. R. A. five water holes have been established at strategic position, and others are in contemplation. These reservoirs have at least a minimum capacity of 10,000 gallons even in the - dry season.

The East Chelmsford Water District is now nearing completion, and in order that the citizens of this community may have the full value of this work and obtain the lower rate of insurance it will be necessary for the town to install a 500-gallon pumper and 1000 feet of 2 l/2" double jacket hose.

Report of the Forest Warden

It is the wish of the State Forestry Department to have the Forest Warden or one of his deputies patrol the highways during the season when most forest fires occur ; this would enable the Forest Warden to prosecute violators and also extinguish many fires before they have burned over a large area, thereby lowering the cost to the town. Much credit is clue State Observer Claude Welch for the very helpful assistance he has given at all times. His alertness in locating fires in the town has saved us a great deal.

The equipment of this department is in very good condition at the present time, with the exception of the truck which is entirely worn out and must be replaced if we are to continue our work with the same efficiency.

1935

Annual Town Meeting March 11, 1935

Under Article 19 On a motion made by Harry Shedd it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,500 00 for the purpose of purchasing a 500-gallon pumper, together with equipment and 1,000 feet of 2 1/2" hose for the Fire Department; on a motion made by Joseph D. Ryan it was voted that this money be expended by the Board of Fire Engineers.

Report of Board of Fire Engineers

We regret to record this change as Arthur W. House had been a member of the Department for many years, but we believe that Charles House, his son, will bring good results to this District by reason of his ability and experience, and expect good results from his administration of the company in this section of the town.

We have effected extensive repairs to the pumper stationed at West Chelmsford so that it is now almost as good as new.

In accordance with the mandate of the Town Meeting a new 500-gallon Pumper, equipped with 1,000 feet 2 1/2" double jacket hose, has been installed at the Centre. This piece of apparatus is modern in every respect, and at its tests exceeded the requirements of the underwriters. The pumper at the Centre was taken to East Chelmsford, and the truck stationed there turned over to the Forest Warden, so that the town now has one of he best equipped departments in the State for towns of similar size. This has resulted in lower insurance rates in East Chelmsford.

Report of Forest Warden

During the past year we were called to extinguish one hundred and thirty-five (135) forest and grass fires About twelve hundred (1200) acres of land were burned over; most of this was scrub and grass land of no value No buildings were damaged by these fires, although several were in direct danger at the time of our arrival.

On April 28, 1935, we were called to a fire on Ledge Road in what is known as Tar Paper Village. This fire started in the Town of Westford, burning some twenty (20) acres before crossing the line into Chelmsford. With a strong northwest wind and underbrush as dry as tinder this proved to be the most dangerous fire of the year. Several times it was thought to be under control, but broke out again fanned by a strong wind and continued to Swain and Groton Roads, where, with the assistance of the Fire Department, we were able, to extinguish it without any loss of property. Seven hundred (700) acres were burned over by this fire, most of which was covered by scrub oak and a few small pine of no value. Lack of water made it necessary to pump from Crystal Lake to protect buildings situated on Groton and Swain Roads.

The cause of most fires was unknown, but many were thought to have been caused by careless persons throwing smoking material from automobiles. Several young culprits were apprehended for starting fires, but due to their tender age no court action was taken. It was deemed advisable to let their parents punish them. One case, after investigation, was turned over to the State Warden for disposition.

The equipment of this department is in good condition at the present time, and unless some unforeseen emergency occurs should be sufficient for several years. The Federal Knight truck, which was turned over to this department by the Fire Department, has proven very satisfactory and has paid for itself many times in service rendered.

1936

Report of Board of Fire Engineers

The Equipment has been kept in excellent condition and no major replacements or renewals have been needed this year.

Some repairs are necessary at the Fire Stations located at the East and South villages and arrangements are under way to have these accomplished through the agency of the W. P. A. the cost of material being paid for out of our current appropriation.

Report of Forest Warden

Two tracts of valuable white pine were slightly damaged by fires, but our timely arrival prevented a greater loss. One roof fire was caused by sparks from a brush fire, but the damage was very small.

Most fires were of incendiary origin. People in general are very careful of permit fires, and few got beyond their control. Several small boys were apprehended for starting fires, but no court action was taken, due to their age. It was deemed advisable to use other methods of punishment.

All equipment, both in the care of deputies and in wooded areas outside the water districts, was carefully tested and necessary repairs made. The equipment at the present time is in good condition.

1937

Special Town Meeting October 7, 1937

Under article 4:
Regard the sum of $500.00 for the purpose of installing a fire alarm system and tapper system at the Center Village on a motion made by Harry Shedd this motion was lost, and on a motion made by James A. Grant, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $300.00 for the purpose of re-installing the present fire alarm system.

Under article 5:
Regard to the selling of tanks, motors, whistle, etc., a part of the present fire alarm system at the centre village, it was voted to dismiss this article.

Report of Board of Fire Engineers

The fire Houses at the East and South villages have had extensive needed repairs with the aid of W. P. A. labor and are in splendid condition. Water has been put in at the South Village and the Fire House now is equipped with running water.

In the collapse of a sand bank off the Mill Road in which three men were trapped the men of the Centre Company rendered valiant service.

Report of Board of Fire Engineers

Two small building were burned by fires caused from sparks from incinerators. Several fires were of incendiary origin; others were caused by abandoned camp fires and careless discarded cigarettes.

Next year (1938) it will be necessary to have a permit to burn rubbish and debris in an incinerator. Each incinerator will be inspected by the Forest Warden before a permit is issued.

1938

Report of Board of Fire Engineers

With the several minor changes the personnel have remained the same, thus giving us a well trained and loyal group, ready at all times to efficiently cope with any emergency that may arise. This was well proven during the hurricane last September, when, with fire alarm system gone and all telephones out of connection, our force by their untiring vigilance rendered a most valiant service to the town.

Report of Forest Warden

Several persons were warned against burning without a permit but no court action was taken as there were no second offenders. One person was required to pay the cost of extinguishing a fire as he had been warned about burning without a permit on previous occasions. Most citizens have cooperated with this department in observing the permit law and other laws pertaining to forest fire prevention.

The hurricane of September 21st left this Town with the most serious fire hazard that it has experienced in history. About two million (2,000,000) feet of pine timber were swept to the ground in this Town. This timber blocked all fire roads and lanes, cutting off any possible approach to extinguish a fire. Acres of ground were completely covered by pine timber and brush. The most serious fire hazard in the Town being on the shores of Heart Pond among the summer camps.

Through the cooperation of the United States Forest Service, W. P. A. and other government agencies much of this fire hazard has been removed but many roads are still blocked and many acres of slash remain. We have cooperated with the United States Forest Service in locating fire roads and lanes where apparatus may find passage to combat any fire which may occur. I have personally supervised the removal and burning of slash for the W. P. A. where the hazard was greatest in order that the work could be carried on without delay.

This department is badly in need of a portable pump to meet the remaining fire hazard as it will be impossible to remove all slash and timber before the fire season begins. Hand equipment is useless in fighting forest fires where there is any amount of slash or pine tops. A portable pump would greatly reduce the labor costs to the Town, as fewer men would be required to extinguish fires. The State Division of Forestry recommended that all towns be equipped with a portable fire pump.

1939

Annual Town Meeting March 20, 1939

Under Article 27:
On a motion made by Gilbert Perham it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1200 for the purpose of purchasing a pump and hose to be used by the Forest Fire Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen.

Report of the W.P.A. for 1939

Beginning with January 1, 1939 the greatest number of the men were employed on the fire hazard project; which consisted of opening up fire lanes and roads that were blocked up by trees felled by the hurricane, that occurred on Sept. 21, 1938. Cutting up trees and burning slash in the residential areas to eliminate fire hazards to buildings. Cutting and removing trees that had fallen on dwellings. Cutting up fallen trees and burning brush on each side of roads. The total number of miles of roads cleared of wood and slash burned was 58, and the approximate number of acres of wood lots cleared and burned was 750.

The greatest number of men that were carried on the W.P.A. at any one time during the year 1939 was 171 and with the exception of about 40 men, the remaining 131 were on the Fire Hazard Project from January 1, 1939 to May 23, 1939, the date that the project was closed. This project entailed a great amount of work as it necessitated mailing out easements; granting permission to enter their property to do the required work.

Board of Fire Engineers Report

We have purchased gas masks of the best grade obtainable as a needed measure of safety and protection to the men.

Thirty-three firemen from various sections of the Town have taken the course in first aid sponsored by the Lowell Chapter of the American Red Cross. They are now trained to render valuable assistance in an emergency.

New Tires have been placed on all the apparatus where needed and as far as possible. The fire alarm system has been inspected and kept in good working order, while four new boxes have been added in needed locations. Fire cards have been printed and distributed throughout the Town.

Report of Forest Warden

About two hundred and fifty (250) acres of land were burned over; about half of this being forest lands that were swept by the hurricane of last year; the remainder being scrub and grass land of no merchantable value.

The problem of enforcing the permit law is Increasing every year and requires a great deal of work on the part of this department. It is the desire of this department to have every citizen cooperate in enforcing the permit law.

During January and February I personally assisted the United States Forest Service In planning the removal of the many fire hazard areas left by the hurricane of September 21, 1938. Although all areas were not cleaned of brush and timber much was accomplished through the efforts of the Forest Service and W.P.A.

At the last annual meeting we received an appropriation for a portable pump, booster tank and hose to be used in extinguishing forest fires. This new equipment has proven its value and without it we would have had many more serious fires.

The Federal-Knight truck which has been in service fourteen years should be replaced, as it has reached the stage where it is impossible to keep it in satisfactory working condition.