Waltham Fire 4th Alarm 45-47 Charles St.

• published: 03 Dec 2014
• views: 4

9-1-1 calls, Fire and police audio, and images from the 4th alarm fire at 45-47 Charles St., Waltham Ma. Box 241 was struck @ 0315 on June 18th, 2014 after receiving only one 9-1-1 call reporting a building fire. E4, first due engine, signed off with a 2 1/2 story wood frame house fully involved. Waltham Fire faced numerous challenges while operating at box 241. Initial suppression attempts were delayed due to extreme radiant heat which damaged the initial attack line and forced first arriving units to reposition apparatus to avoid damage to them. In addition, numerous high tension wires were on fire and during the initial stages of the operations burnt through and fell to the ground surrounding the original fire building. Due to a delayed response from utilities access to the fire was restricted by the live power hazard. Further, a large construction site exposed on the 'D' side had several trailers, tractors and other equipment which became involved and resulted in numerous explosions of what was possibly oxygen or acetylene tanks, as well as fuel tanks. Waltham fire initially made an aggressive interior attack on the 'B' side exposure building, which had been occupied. Unfortunately, due to heavy fire involvement of the 2nd floor, attic and roof, crews were forced to withdraw. There were several other severe exposures problems including numerous wood frame buildings across the narrow street from the original fire building, cars parked along the street, and most significant, a large, wood frame church at the 'B/C' corner of the fire building. This church sustained radiant heat damage in the initial stages, but was otherwise protected by firefighters from any further involvement. The fire quickly reached 4 alarms with the 2nd being struck by the Lt. of E4 upon arrival, 3 mins after the initial call; the 3rd struck by the shift Deputy upon his arrival, 7mins after the initial call; and finally the 4th again by the shift Deputy, 22 mins after the initial call. Numerous communities responded to both assist at the scene and cover Waltham's 6 stations. Mutual aid fire departments included Newton, Cambridge, Lexington, Weston, Watertown, Arlington, Belmont, Lincoln, and Boston.