Inside Burlington's Fire Department

Fire Chief Steven Yetman took time out of his busy day to give Patch an insider's view of life at Burlington's Fire Department.  Yetman has been a fire fighter for 32 years, serving in both Burlington and Lexington.

Burlington's fire department, which has two locations in town, receives about 65,000 calls each year, the majority of which are medical emergencies.  The department operates four 13-man shifts (the same number of fire fighters as 32 years ago), and attended 100 fire incidents last year.  

Station 2 (on the common) is home to 2 engines, 2 ambulances, one tower truck and the shift captain's vehicle - there is also a boat for water emergencies.  Station 1 (Middlesex Turnpike) is home to one engine and a spare.

Emergency calls are received at the Police Department where trained operators quickly identify the type of emergency and re-route calls.  Fire fighters and EMTs are to be ready and on the road with one minute.  

Chief Yetman explained that fast response times are increasingly important.  Modern plastics and high-tech building materials burn much hotter than older materials, giving fire fighters less time to operate.  Many of these materials emit highly toxic gas when they burn making breathing equipment a necessary part of each fire fighter's gear.

This week the fire department was excited to receive from Oracle's "Community Giving Program" a new hydraulic rescue tool - similar to the "Jaws of Life".   As vehicles become safer for us to operate ... they are also more effective at trapping us inside in a major accident.  This new equipment will enable Burlington's fire department to get victims trapped in cars out faster.

Oracle has donated much needed equipment to the department each year.

Even though the snow has gone (except for the snow mountain at the Mall!), several fire fighters spoke of the importance of digging out hydrants AND a path around your home (not just the drive and paved walk ways) during winter months.  A house fire is something everyone hopes will not happen, but if it does ... it can be  tackled quicker and more effectively if a nearby hydrant is accessible, and first responders can get around a property without 'fighting' snow and ice first.