Norton Fire Assists With Tornado Relief Efforts

Yesterday’s tornados wreaked havoc across New England, and hit close enough to home that Norton sent their own to help with search and rescue efforts.

The area deployed six engines and two ladder trucks to Brimfield at 4 a.m. Thursday morning to assist in the search for missing people along with Massachusetts State Police Special Emergency Response Teams. Norton Fire Chief Richard Gomes is the structural task force leader for Bristol County North Area 3A and the assistant leader for today is Chief Pray from Rehoboth.

According to Massachusetts State Police, there has been one confirmed fatality in Brimfield and two in W. Springfield. Reports from Springfield also indicate there are at least 33 injuries with 23 people transported to Mercy Hospital and 10 to Baystate. Out of the 10 at Baystate, five are serious injured and are in surgery. The most seriously damaged areas appear to be from East Forest Park at Bicentennial Highway in Springfield into Wilbraham and into Hampden. Numerous streets are impassable due to downed trees and electrical wires.

While Norton was not hit nearly as hard as western Massachusetts, it was like a laser show in town with all the thunder and lighting. Luckily, there was no major damage or injuries.

“We had one response to North Washington Street for a box alarm, most likely from a power surge, otherwise we were very fortunate,” said Norton Fire Department Deputy Chief Paul Schleicher.

Also sending engines was Rehoboth, Seekonk, Attleboro, Taunton and Berkley. Raynham and Easton sent ladder trucks. They all left from Norton Fire Department headquarters at 4 a.m. and reported to Brimfield Fire Department headquarters.

To help the victims of the tornadoes, people are being asked to donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting redcross.org. You can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.