Chimney Fires, 6 Car Pile-Up: A Week As A Shrewsbury Firefighter

SHREWSBURY, MA — Ever wonder what it's like to be a Shrewsbury firefighter? The department gave residents a look at what a few weeks as a firefighter looks like and we can sum it up in one word: Busy. On Saturday alone, Shrewsbury firefighters responded to 16 calls, including a six car pile-up on Route 20.

Using the power of social media to show just how busy fire crews can be, the department posted a roundup of photos from the past week or so and detailed the different calls that came in. Crews responded to over 107 calls according to the department, including six fires, 71 medical emergencies, six motor vehicle accidents, nine fire alarm activations, four hazardous materials responses, and 11 special service calls. So far this year, the department said it has responded to 4,027 calls for service.

Starting the roundup was a car fire from Dec. 6 on I-290. The car was fully engulfed in flames on the side of the road, but the department said it was able to quickly extinguish the blaze and minimize traffic delays.

The following Saturday was another challenging day for the department. Rescue crews were called to Jordan Pond after a car crashed into it. Despite rescuing the driver from the partially submerged car and getting him to the hospital, the man died later that evening. He was identified as 21-year-old Deven Koenig of North Grafton.

This Saturday proved to be another busy day, with a six car pile-up on Route 20. Fire officials said there were only minor injuries. Of the other 15 calls that crews responded to were a chimney fire, carbon monoxide incident, several medical calls, and other motor vehicle accidents.

With all the busy weeks the Shrewsbury Fire Department has been putting in, additional funding from the state came at the perfect time. The department was awarded $7,500 in grants for Firefighter Turnout Gear and Washer-Extractor Equipment. The department plans on using the funding to buy 10 hoods and 15 gloves.