* Fire
Department Organization
* Fire Chiefs
* Fire Station History
* Fire Apparatus History
* Major Fires & Incidents
History
* Run Stats History
FIRE DEPARTMENT
ORGANIZATION
The Hyannis Fire District was the first of Barnstable's 5
independent fire districts to be established. When the "Normal
School," a large brick structure on Main Street (where the present Town Hall
/ telephone building
is today) was destroyed by fire on Jan 24, 1896, only 15 days after opening, the
residents of Hyannis decided they needed fire protection. A petition to
the Town of Barnstable was filed but the town rejected the request. The
result was the establishment of the Hyannis Fire District on May 6, 1896 in
accordance with state regulations enabling the formation of Fire
Districts.
A May 29, 1896 Fire District meeting authorized $1000. to
purchase firefighting equipment, including (1) hand draw soda & acid water
extinguisher on wheels for $300. a hand drawn hook and ladder truck for $250.,
(4) fire extinguishers for $100., and a roster of 15 firemen. The first
firehouse was located to the rear of Keveney's store on Main Street, in the area
of Center Street & Elm Street. O. Howard Crowell was elected the first
fire chief on June 16, 1896. In 1898, the Hyannis District also began
adding street lights in the area.
On December 2, 1904, a fire began in
L.P. Wilson's Grocery Store on the northside of Main Street in the east end of
town near Center Street across from the railroad depot. The sound of
church bells ringing and train whistles blowing alerted the residents of Hyannis
to the fire which already had great headway. A strong wind blowing from the
east blew the fire down Main Street through its many wooden structures to
Barnstable Road. Hyannis Firemen mustered 5 pieces of apparatus but were
of little avail. Phone calls went out to other organized fire departments
(Provincetown, Middleboro, and Brockton) to send help by rail. By morning,
the fire had consumed 15 buildings, including more than 600 feet of retail space
along Main Street, causing $150,000 in damage. The Universalist Church and
its tall steeple came crashing down at 0305 hours. A 69 year old sea
captain, William Penn Lewis, died as the result of a heart attack while trying
to save his home. (info from CCTimes 121894).
In 1911, the Hyannis
Fire District contracted with the private Barnstable Water Company for fire
hydrants and water supply in Hyannis. In 1912, Hyannis paid $2380. for the
rental of 68 hydrants. In 1914 the Hyannis Woman's Club presented the Hyannis
Fire District with a "substantial and artistic drinking fountain dedicated
to the use of humans and dumb animals." The fountain located at the
intersection of Main & Center Streets is still in place. In
1922, HFD authorized $1100. for a siren to be installed in the bellfrey of the
Federated Church on Main Street. In 1924 Hyannis bought the first
motorized fire apparatus. A Childs Motors truck with 2 chemical
tanks. They also purchased a motorized tractor to pull the 1896 hook &
ladder truck. The first turnout gear was purchased as well. Hyannis
responded to 39 calls in 1924. Hyannis began annexing Hyannisport.
In
1925, the Hyannis Fire Department moved into its new spacious headquarters
station on 44 Barnstable Road at Elm Street. Land was purchased for
$3,000. and the building itself constructed for $21,586.. On July 2, 1926
a brand new Ahrens Fox 1000 gpm pumper was delivered to the Hyannis Fire Dept as
Engine 1. In 1928, a hose cart with 250 feet of 2 1/2" hose was
housed in a rented building in Hyannisport. In 1930 Hyannis responded to
130 calls including 1 response to Provincetown. The first permanent
fireman Edward B. Cook was hired in 1931. In 1937 a GMC 500 gpm Pumper was added
as Engine 3. A 1950 Mack 750 gpm pumper was delivered as Engine 5. In 1955
Glen Clough became the Chief in Hyannis.
The first rescue squad was
established in 1955. In 1966 Hyannis FD moved into a new fire house at 95
High School Road Extension. Hyannis responded to 589 calls in 1966
including 234 fires and 355 rescues. The new 85' Aerial Ladder 1 came from Thibault in 1968. Hyannis firefighters went to a 42 hour work
week in 1973 after joining IAFF Local 2122. There were 1348 calls in 1973.
June 1990 - Paul David Chisholm appointed
at fire chief, replacing retiring chief Richard Farrenkopf. Farrenkopf was on
Hyannis FD 35 years, serving as chief since 1981, when chief Glen Clough
retired. Chisholm had been a deputy chief with the Dedham fire department prior
to coming to Hyannis. April 1993, the Hyannis Fire District attempts
unsuccessfully to take over private Barnstable Water Company
May 4, 1996 - Hyannis celebrates 100 years
of service. November 1996 - 2 Hyannis and 4 other Cape fire department members
of the Massachusetts FEMA USAR team travel to Atlanta as part of the safety team
at the Olympics. November 7, 1998 - Hyannis appoints Harold Brunelle as
fire chief. November 1998 - Voters approve ambulance fees for first time.
Previously, the ambulance was free of charge. Insurance will cover most
incidents bringing revenue to the department supporting its operation.
Dec 17, 2003 - Several Hyannis
firefighters were among those honored in Boston for their bravery in rescuing a
homeless man from a fire in an abandoned warehouse on Route 132. Captain
Eric Kristofferson and firefighters Tom Corbett and Andy Kleaminakis each
received the Medal of Valor. Lt Tom Kenney, firefighter Kevin Black, and
firefighter Scott Hanson received a special award for Meritorious Group Conduct
for the same January 2003 fire.
FIRE CHIEFS
2017-Present
- Peter J Burke Jr. (July 2017)
2016-2017
- Dean Melanson (Acting Chief 2016-2017)
1998-2016
- Harold Brunelle (Nov 1998-2016)
1990-1998
- David Chisholm (June 1990-1998)
1981-1990
- Richard Farrenkopf
1955-1981
- Glen Clough
1939-1955
- Winslow K Thatcher
1932-1939
- J Lester Howland
1923-1932
- Everett O Bond
1923-1923
- William R Nickerson
1898-1922
- N Alphonso Bradford
1896-1898
- O. Howard Crowell (First Chief)
Assistant Chiefs:
2023-Present
- Mark Storie (Actg Dep 6/19, Dep 10/20, AC 4/27/23)
Deputy Chiefs:
2023-Present
- Greg Dardia
2022-2023
- Mark Storie
2019-2022
- Eric Kristofferson (Actg 7/19, Dep 8/20 - 6/22)
1999-2019
- Dean Melanson
1990-1998
- Harold Brunelle
1981-1990
- John McHugh
-1981
- Richard Farrenkopf
-
- Lester
FIRE STATIONS
HISTORY
Area of Center & Elm St - Fire Station 1896-1925
FIRST STATION
44 Barnstable Road Fire Headquarters 1925-1965
501 Scudder Ave, Hyannisport 1930's-1980s
95 High School Road Ext Headquarters 1965-2018
95 High School Road Ext - NEW HEADQUARTERS Under Const 2017-2018
95 High School Road Ext - New Station Phase I Opened Oct 2018
FIRE APPARATUS HISTORY
1995 Apparatus Roster
Station 1 - Hyannis
800 Service 800
- 1988 Ford 4x4 Pickup Truck - Mechanic
800A Car 800A
- Mechanic Richard Randall
801 Car 801
- 1991 Ford LTD Fire Chief Paul D Chisholm
802 Car 802
- 1990 Ford LTD Deputy Chief Harold Brunelle
803 Car 803
- 1992 Ford Broncho 4x4 Duty Officer
804 Car 804
- EMS Supervisor Thomas Kenny
805 Car 805
- 1987 Ford E150 Van - Fire Prevention
806 Car 806
- 1986 Ford Station Wagon Fire Prevention
807 Haz 807
- 1992 Pace Arrow Special Hazards Trailer
808 Marine 1
- 1988 Privateer 21'/Mariner 90hp Boat
809 Marine 2
- Boston Whaler 13' /
Johnson 35hp Boat
810 Squad 810
- 1979 Ford Chateau/Yankee Coach Type III Dive Truck
811
- Barnstable Police Designation
812
- Capt Craig Farrenkopf - Group 1
812A
- Lt Dean Melanson
813
- Capt Jack Grant
813A
- Lt Keith Pickering
814
- Capt Joseph Cabral
814A
- Lt Roger Cadrin
815
- Capt Eric Farrenkopf
815A
- Lt Richard Knowlton
816 Truck 816
- BMA - 1995 Ford F150 Pickup Truck
817 Truck 817
- BMA - 1964 International L1700/Ansul 250/500/50 Crash Truck
820 Truck 820
- BMA - 1992 E-One Titan III 750/1500/200 Crash Truck
821 Rescue 821
- 1985 GMC Topkick/Ranger 500/300/20 Heavy Rescue
822 Engine 822
- 1992 Emergency One 1250/1000/60 Foam Pumper
823 Engine 823
- 1975 Maxim F/'88 Ranger 1500/750/50 Pumper
826 Engine 826
- 1990 Maxim F 4cf 1500/750/50 Pumper
827 Rescue 827
- 1992 Ford F350/Road Recue Type I Ambulance (EMS 337)
828 Rescue 828
- 1988 Ford F350/Yankee Coach Type I Ambulance (EMS 338)
829 Tower 829
- 1994 KME 2000/150 102' Aerial Cat Tower Ladder
--------------------------------------------------
1992 Apparatus Roster
Station 1 - Hyannis
800 Service 800
- 1988 Ford 4x4 Pickup Truck - Mechanic
800A Car 800A
- Mechanic Richard Randall
801 Car 801
- 1991 Ford LTD Fire Chief Paul D Chisholm
802 Car 802
- 1990 Ford LTD Deputy Chief Harold Brunelle
803 Car 803
- 1992 Ford Broncho 4x4 Duty Officer
804 Car 804
- EMS Supervisor Thomas Kenny
805 Car 805
- 1987 Ford E150 Van - Fire Prevention
806 Car 806
- 1986 Ford Station Wagon Fire Prevention
807 Haz 807
- 1992 Pace Arrow Special Hazards Trailer
808 Marine 1
- 1988 Privateer 21'/Mariner 90hp Boat
809 Marine 2
- Boston Whaler 13' /
Johnson 35hp Boat
810 Squad 810
- 1979 Ford Chateau/Yankee Coach Type III Dive Truck
811
- Barnstable Police Designation
812
- Capt Craig Farrenkopf - Group 1
812A
- Lt Marty Hannon
813
- Capt Jack Grant
813A
- Lt Dean Melanson
814
- Capt Joseph Cabral
814A
- Lt Keith Pickering
815
- Capt Eric Farrenkopf
815A
- Lt Roger Cadrin
816 Truck 816
- BMA - GMC Pickup Truck
(yellow)
817 Airport 2
- BMA - 1964 International L1700/Ansul 250/500/50 Crash Truck
818 Airport 3
- BMA - 1969 FWD/Farrar fm 1000/1000/40 Pumper (was 826)
820 Airport 1
- BMA - 1992 E-One Titan III 750/1500/200 Crash Truck
821 Rescue 821
- 1985 GMC Topkick/Ranger 500/300/20 Heavy Rescue
822 Engine 822
- 1992 Emergency One 1250/1000/60 Foam Pumper
823 Engine 823
- 1975 Maxim F/'88 Ranger 1500/750/50 Pumper
826 Engine 826
- 1990 Maxim F 4cf 1500/750/50 Pumper
827 Rescue 827
- 1987 Ford F350/Yankee Coach Type I Ambulance (EMS 337)
828 Rescue 828
- 1988 Ford F350/Yankee Coach Type I Ambulance (EMS 338)
829 Tower 829
- 1968 Thibault cf/'84 Thibault ms 100' Aerial Ladder Truck
Engine 1
- 1927 Ahrens Fox 1000 gpm Pumper (Antique)
Engine 5
- 1950 Mack L 750/300 Pumper (Antique)
--------------------------------------------------
1979 Apparatus Roster
Station 1
High School Road
80 S-1
1970 Ford Van Fire Inspector
81 C-1
Fire Chief Glenn Clough
81A C-2
Deputy Richard Sturges
81B C-3
Deputy John Viola
81C C-4
Deputy Richard Farrenkopf
82 Engine 2 1965
FWD/Farrar fm 1000/1000 Foam Pumper.
83 Engine 3 1975
Maxim F 1500/750 Pumper
84 Engine 4 1973
Dodge PW 250 gallon Brush Truck-Heavy Rescue. Jaws
85 Engine 5 1950
Mack 750/350 Pumper
87 Rescue 1 1976
Dodge van/Yankee Coach Modulance Class I - Lifepak
88 Rescue 2 1975
Dodge van/Lifeguard Modulance Class I Lifepak
89 Ladder 1 1968
Thibault open cab forward 250/300 85' Aerial Ladder
Boat
13 foot Boston Whaler
1949 Dodge fm 500gpm former Engine 3 Muster Truck
Engine 1
1927 Ahrens Fox 1000 gpm Pumper - Antique
Station 2
Hyannisport
86 Engine 6 1968 FWD
Farrar fm 750/1000 Pumper
Airport
228 Airport 1 1964 International/Maxim
1000/500 Crash Truck. foam.
1965 Hyannis Apparatus Roster
Engine 1 - 1927 Ahrens Fox 1000 gpm Pumper (In reserve)
Engine 2 - 1965 FWD 750 gpm fm Pumper
Engine 3 - 1949 Dodge 300 gpm Pumper (In reserve)
Engine 4 - 1950 Ford 500 gpm pumper - tanker
Engine 5 - 1950 Mack 750 gpm Pumper
Engine 6 - 1954 Dodge 500 gpm fm Pumper (Hyannisport)
Ladder 1 - 1932 Maxim city service ladder truck
Rescue - 1954 Dodge Panel Rescue Truck
Rescue - 1956 Cadillac ambulance
Boat - 1961 Rescue Boat
EARLY APPARATUS
1897 - (1) Double Tank Chemical Engine (hand drawn)
1897 - (1) Used 1880 Hook & Ladder (hand drawn - from Brockton - "Esmeralda")
1897 - (4) 2 Gallon Hand Extinguishers
1899 - (1) Hose Carriage added
1902 - (1) Added 2nd Double Tank Chemical Company (H C Bacon Shop, cor of Sea
St)
1902 - (2) Added 2 more 2 gallon Hand Extinguishers
1911 - (1) A second Hose Carriage had been added at some point
1921 - Apparatus included (1) Chemical, (2) Hose, (1) H&L, (12) Extinguishers
1923 - (1) Motorized Childs 2 tank Chemical & hose Pumper, with ladders,
1923 - (1) Motorized truck for H&L
1927 - (1) Ahrens Fox 1000 gpm Pumper (Engine 1)
1929 - (1) Maxim 500 gpm Pumper (Maxim?) (Engine 2)
1932 - (1) Maxim City Service Ladder Truck (Ladder 1) 200 gals, 297' of ladders
1935 - (1) Fire Chief Car
1937 - (1) GMC 500 gpm Pumper (Engine 3)
1944 - (1) CD Pump Trailer with 1000' 1-1/2" hose
1948 - (1) Chevy Crash Truck at Airport
1949 - (1) Dodge 300 gpm Pumper (Engine 4)
1950 - (1) Mack 750 gpm Pumper (Engine 5)
1950 - (1) Ford Farrar fm Pumper (Engine 6)
1954 - (1) Dodge Panel Truck (Rescue)
1956 - (1) Cadillac Ambulance (Rescue)
1958 - (1) Ford/Maxim Crash Truck at airport
1961 - (1) Boat & Trailer
1965 - (1) International/with 1958 Maxim crash truck body at Airport (228)
1965 - (1) FWD/Farrar fm 750 gpm / 1000 gals Cab Forward Pumper (Engine 2)
1968 - (1) Thibault open cab forward 85' Aerial Ladder Truck (Ladder 1)
1969 - (1) FWD / Farrar fm 750 gpm / 1000 gal Pumper (Engine 6)
1971 - (1) 1947 Dodge PW Brush Truck / Rescue Truck
1974 - (1) Ford Van Ambulance (Rescue)
1975 - (1) Maxim 1250/1000 cab forward Pumper (Engine 3)
MAJOR FIRES &
INCIDENTS HISTORY
Major Fires & Emergencies
1896 - Jan 24 - The Normal School on Main Street is destroyed by fire 15 days
after opening.
1904 - Dec 2 - The "Hyannis Conflagration" destroyed 15 buildings on
Main Street.
1937 - May 5 - Several brush fires, including one on Ridgewood Ave., required
approximately 200 people from Hyannis, Barnstable, Yarmouth and Dennis to
control. The new Town Fire Truck "Brush Breaker" responded from
Osterville where it was being painted. It was severely damaged when
overrun by the fire. Fires burned 2000 acres from Hyannis towards
Cummaquid.
1941 - Hyannis State Teaches College fire.
1942 - A fire in a garage on Center Street caused $101,459 in damage.
1943 - A fire in the Colonial building on Main Street took the life of 1
Maritime cadet.
1944 - The Mayflower Restaurant on Main Street was heavily damaged by fire.
1959 - Feb 2 - Fire heavily damaged the Hyannis Clothing Store on Main Street.
1960 - Feb 14 - The Finishing Mill at the John Hinckley & Son Lumber Company
on Yarmouth Road was struck by fire at 0555 hours. The 2 story building
was heavily involved. All Hyannis crews responded. Yarmouth Engine 8
covered Hyannis. The 33 year old Ahrens Fox had been in reserve status for
16 years. It was put in service and pumped flawlessly for hours supplying
water to the deckgun on the ladder truck. It took over 2 1/2 hours to
bring under control. It took 18 hoselines and over 4,000 feet of hose, as
well as 160,000 gallons of water to bring under control.
1961 - Hyannis responded 42 times for standby coverage during helicopter
landings by President Kennedy at the Hyannisport Compound.
1967 - Hyannis Lieutenant Richard E. Donoghue was killed by electricution while
on duty placing a ladder near the Skating Rink.
1969 - Jan 24 - The Senior Pizza Block on Main Street at Sea Street was
destroyed in a 2244 hours fire requiring mutual aid.
1969 - Mar 8 - The Olde Harbor Candle Factory on Craigville Beach Road near
Smith Street, was destroyed in a 0022 hours fire requiring mutual aid
.
1971 - Dec 23 - A mid day fire heavily damaged the Center Theater on Main
Street.
1972 - July 2 - A general alarm fire destroyed the previously damaged Center
Theater on Main Street. Mutual aid responded from several communities to
prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
1972 - Nov 20 - Fire damaged a mercantile building on Rte 28 next to the Slate
Company.
1973 - Mar 21 - The Bedford Fruit Company on Route 28 at the Yarmouth line
sustained heavy damage during a night time fire. Two alarms were struck for the
0052 hrsfire.
1973 - April 29 - Fire struck the Green Brier Motel on Route 132 damaging 5
units.
1973 - June 28 - Apparatus responded to the Airport for a DC3 with a landing
gear light.
1973- Dec 13 - Fire damaged one unit at the Bradford Motel on Route 28.
1974 - July 31 - Two alarm fire does major damage to a large building on Stevens
Street at 1515 hrs. Heavy smoke brought a large crowd to watch the fire.
1974 - Sept 6 - A plane crashed and burned, killing 3, at the Cape &
Vineyard Power Company parking lot on Yarmouth Road at the approach to runway
24.
1974 - Dec 19 - Fire did heavy damage to a building at 235 Sea Street. The
1118 hrs fire damaged several units in the 2-1/2 story apartment house in the 2
alarm fire.
1975 - Mar 23 - Three were rescued from the water after a plane went down in
Nantucket sound south of Yarmouth's Sea Gull Beach.
1975 - May 21 - A bi-plane crash landed on the grass at the airport at 0720 hrs.
1975 - July 6 - 15 units at the Country Squire Motel on East Main Street were
damaged in a spectacular Sunday afternoon two alarm fire.
1975 - Oct 4 - Fire destroyed the Kahiki Polenesian-Chinese Restaurant on
Iyanough Road at the Yarmouth line at 2140 hrs. 2 alarms struck.
1976 - Jan 20 - Fire involved a large dumpster at Stop & Shop on North Street.
The fire department used their 1950 Mack pumper to pull the dumpster from the
building.
1976 - Jan 25 - Fire damaged a summer home on Harbor Bluff Road at 0830 hrs.
1976 - April 20 - Fire damaged a storage building adjacent to the Kennedy
Skating Rink.
1976 - May - Hyannis firefighters complete restoration of their 1927 Ahrens Fox
pumper. The Fox served actively until about 1953. In 1970 it was lent to
Edaville Railroad's museum. In 1975 the Firefighters Association got her back
and spent a year returning it to near original running condition. Engine 1
is used for parades and other displays.
1976 - Dec 8 - Hyannis Dalmatian mascot "Cinders" died from an accidental
poisoning. The female fire dog responded to over 1,500 fires on Hyannis
engines since 1972.
1977 - Jan 7 - Fire destroyed the Wheelhouse Inn in a fire described by chief
Glenn Clough as one of the worst he ever fought in the midst of one of the
season's biggest snow storms. The fire burned for 5 hours.
1977 - Jan 13 - A 0115 fire at Packaging Industries on Airport Road caused
$100,000 damage.
1977 - Feb 23 - A stubborn fire aboard a 75 foot steel scalloper docked at the
Pleasant Street docks brought help from several departments at 1530 hrs.
Firefighters stood on solid ice in the bay as they battled the fire. 3
alarms were struck. The fire was eventually put out with foam.
1977 - June 29 - A 2 alarm fire damaged the Elk's Lodge on Bearses Way at 0445
hrs.
1977 - Aug 17 - Fire burned one man seriously at the Sea Freeze Ice Cream shop
on West Main Street by the Melody tent at 0012 hrs.
1978 - Feb 4 - A 2 alarm fire destroyed a two story home at 300 Ocean Street.
The house was unoccupied. Severe cold hampered firefighters at 0019 hrs. A
second fire struck a house at 53 Pine Street at 0102 hrs caused by a chimney.
1978 - Feb 25 - A 2 alarm fire destroyed a 50 year old wooden section of the Junior High
School at 1315 hrs..
1978 - May 23 - Fire struck Packaging Industries on Airport Road. The
sprinkler system contained a fire in burning plastic materials.
1979 - April 27 - The landing gear on a twin engine Cessna airplane collapsed on
landing at Barnstable airport. 2 people, no injuries.
1979 - June 27 - Fire destroyed a home on Winter Street.
1979 - July 5 - A suspicious fire struck the Almeida bus terminal at Center
Street and Ridgewood Ave. The large 100 x 200 metal building was heavily
damaged in a two alarm fire at 1900 hrs.
1980 - Jan 29 - Fire struck two buildings in Hyannis. The first, a house
on Sterling Road. The second, less than a quarter mile away, was a shed on
Straight Way. Both occurred at 1322 hrs.
1980 - Nov 1 - Fire struck the Clean Jeans Coin-Op Laundry at 636 Main Street at
1515 hrs.
1981 - Feb 2 - Two firefighters injured fighting a fire in an unoccupied house
on Ocean Street at 0012 hrs, 40 mph winds whipped the flames through the
building.
1983 - Mar 7 - Fire damaged the Dunfey Hyannis Hotel on Scudder Ave at 1411 hrs.
One firefighter was treated for minor injuries.
1983 - May 17 - Fire destroyed a 120 year old barn at 44 Yarmouth Road.
1983 - May 19 - A smoky blaze did major damage to the Chase Laundry at 28 Willow
Ave near the bus station. 3 alarms were struck bringing aid in from
surrounding departments shortly after 1600 hrs. It was the largest
fire in Hyannis in 5 to 10 years according to Hyannis Chief Richard Farrenkopf.
1983 - June 6 - An electrical fire damaged the Old Harbor Candle Factory and
Cracker Barrel outlet store at Route 132 forcing the evacuation of 100
employees.
1984 - Jan 27 - A house at 14 Sugarbush Lane was fully involved when
firefighters arrived at 1544 hrs.
1984 - June 24 - Three alarm fire heavily damages 3 story building on Iyannough
Road housing Doug's Pub at 0231 hrs. 3 firefighters injured/
1985 - April 28 - A woman died in her Merchant Mill Way home in a 2 alarm fire.
1985 - June 25 - One firefighter injured in 2 alarm fire at 299 South Street at
South Bay Community re-entry. 2 story building was fully involved.
1985 - June 25 - Hyannis is host to 63rd Annual New England Fire Chiefs
convention at the Dunfey Hyannis Hotel. Many new apparatus on display
1985 - Dec 2 - Three alarm fire damages law offices at North Street & Winter St.
1986 - Jan 5 - Fire damaged a basement at22 Keel Way at 1743 hrs.
1986 - Feb 25 - A house behind the Backside restaurant on Main Street was
heavily damaged by an afternoon fire.
1986 - Mar 23 - A two alarm fire struck the Cromwell Court
apartments on Barnstable Road at 0140 hrs. One firefighter hurt in the blaze.
1986 - June 4 - Fire damaged the well know Stop & Shop sign above the super
market at the corner of North and High School Road. 1046 hrs.
1987 - Jan 5 - Firefighters pulled a woman from a burning house at Uncle Willy's
Way at 0030 hrs.
1987 - Mar 26 - A 2 story Old Colony Blvd house was destroyed by a 2 alarm fire
at 0110 hrs
1987 - April 17 - Fire damaged a barn at 48 Camp Street at 1915 hrs.
1987 - Sept 3 - Hyannis firefighters fought a fire at 1878 Sea Street in a 1-1/2
story house. A family of 4 escaped safely.
1987 - Oct 31 - Two alarm fire damages Richard's Gallery and a restaurant at
Main and Ocean Street. 0100 hrs fire seriously burns one woman and injures
several others
1987 - Nov 23 - Hyannis firefighters dedicated a plaque at the Hyannis station
to their custodian and friend Wayne Bump, 54 who is retiring due to cancer after
working for HYFD for 10 years.
1988 - Jan 15 - Hyannis firefighters battled a stubborn fire at the Cape Cod
Chrysler garage on East Main Street. The two alarm fire resulted in heavy damage
to the building at 1545 hrs. The fire rekindled at 2030 hrs and two firefighters
were injured at the second fire.
1988 - April 13 - Fires damaged a building at 459 South Street and a 58 foot
fishing boat at the Ocean Street Docks within 1-1/2 hours of each other. The
boat fire destroyed the Sea Swan II at 0512 hrs in a two alarm fire. Both fires,
and several others considered suspicious and related.
1988 - May 6 - Fire broke out in an apartment at Cromwell Court apartments on
Barnstable Road sending 2 dozen residents out into the rain at about 2200 hrs.
1988 - May 14 - Spectacular fire destroys 2-1/2 story house at 459 South Street
at 0521 hrs. Second fire at property in weeks. Burns to ground.
1988 - June 7 - Two alarms struck for a 3 acre brush fire that threatened the
Yachtsman Condos near Kalmus Beach.
1988 - July 24 - Firefighters had to use Jaws and Airbags to free a man trapped
between a locomotive and a loading dock at the Cape Cod and Hyannis railroad.
1988 - Sept 21 - Firefighters from Hyannis and Yarmouth responded to a boat fire
in Lewis Bay near Egg Island at 1403 hrs. The 30 foot power boat was fully
involved with back smoke visible for miles.
1989 - Jan 28 - Fire struck 4 train cars at the Cape Cod & Hyannis rail yard.
One was destroyed and 3 damaged. Suspicious.
1989 - Mar 11 - One unit at the Green Brier Motor Lodge on Route 132 sustained
extensive damage during a fire around 0400 hrs. 30 people were evacuated from
the 19 unit motel.
1989 - Mar 17 - Fire destroyed the concession stand at the Hyannis Drive in
Theater off Route 132. The theater has been closed and will be developed
as a shopping center.
1989 - Mar 30 - A propane gas tank exploded and fire damaged the pool area at
the Holiday Inn on Route 132.
1989 - May 23 - Fire damages Montillio's Bakery at 294 Main Street at 2030 hrs.
1989 - July 15 - Fire broke out at the Packaging Industries plant on Airport
Road at 0800 hrs.
1990 - Feb - HYFD honors retiring Deputy Chief John McHugh. McHugh served with
Hyannis FD for 38 years, serving as a Captain for many years and finishing as
Deputy Chief.
1990 - Sept 22 - A 42 foot boat burned out of control in Lewis Bay about 1700
hrs forcing 4 passengers to flee.
1990 - Dec - Hyannis Firefighters worked to rescue 55 stranded Pilot Whales on
Squaw Island. Most did not survive the stranding.
1991 - Aug 23 - Two fires related to Hurricane Bob damaged homes on Greenbrier
Lane and Delta Lane. Both related to power outages.
1991 - Nov - Firefighters respond to numerous false alarms and problems at the
Cape Plaza Hotel as 600 police officers attend a convention there.
1992 - May 27 - A house at 137 Windshore Drive damaged by a fire. A mom and two
young children escaped uninjured. One Hyannis firefighter knocked
unconscious by a fallen ceiling.
1992 - June 6 - 2 alarm fire at 73 Ridgewood Ave. Three residents escape
at 0606 hrs.
1992 - Aug 1 - Two firefighters injured fighting a fire in a former cement plant
off Route 28 near Puffer-bellies at 2316 hrs.
1992 - Dec 9 - Fire did heavy damage to a home on Point Lane in Hyannisport.
1993 - Mar 18 - Two children were taken to the hospital, along with their mother
following a fire in the home at 41 St. Joseph's Street.
1993 - May 22 - Fire damaged the Knights of Columbus Hall at 1030 Falmouth Road
at 0024 hrs. Two alarms struck.
1993 - July 31 - Firefighters rescue a cat from a fire at 21 Lewis Bay Road.
1993 - Sept 28 - Suspicious fire heavily damages building off Ridgewood Ave by
Pufferbellies Nightclub. Two alarms.
`993 - Nov 22 - A rail car was heavily damaged in a fire that threatened nearby
propane storage tanks at the Hyannis rail yard at 1700 hrs.
1993 - Dec 8 - Hyannis' new Tower Ladder was first used at a building fire at 51
Bay View Street at 0353 hours.
1994 - Feb 23 - A woman is killed in a head on accident on West Main Street near
the Melody tent at 0015 hrs.
1994 - April 19 - A 2 alarm fire damaged a building at the rear of 349 Main
Street at 2351 hrs.
1994 - June 2 - A 32 year old woman was rescued by police and Hyannis
firefighters from a fire on South Street.
1994 - June 21 - 5 alarms were transmitted rapidly for a fire at the Nam Vets
Center building on Main Street at Basset Lane. The fire threatened several
buildings in the congested area of Main Street. Hundreds of onlookers
watched as firefighters successfully contained the 2140 hours fire with the help
of several Cape departments.
1994 - Sept 22 - The new State Haz Mat team was summoned to the Tara Hyannis
hotel on Smith Street for a chemical spill in the basement that sent several
civilians to the hospital.
1994 - Oct 24 - A plane crashed into Lewis Bay at 2215 hours during a heavy rain
storm. Two were killed in the small plane. A major mutual aid effort
was required to make the recovery using dive teams, USCG, police units, etc..
1994 - Nov 5 - Three fishermen rescued from breakwater at Hyannisport.
1994 - Dec 7 - Hyannis FD Chaplain, Father Edward Duffy of St.Francis Xavier is
memorialized at age 72.
1995 - April 6 - Fire involving approximately 77 discarded 55 gallon chemical
drums and other debris raged behind the airport on Mary Dunn Road causing
concerns for water department wells in the area.
1995 - July 28 - Fire guts half of Duplex at 45 Louis Street forcing two
families from home at 2000 hrs.
1995 - Aug 23 - The Hyannis Harborview Hotel on Ocean Street was well involved
when firefighters arrived at 1430 hours. A strong wind and a delay in
notification resulted in heavy fire conditions. 4 Alarms were sounded
bringing assistance from several departments. The Hyannis Tower ladder
operated its master streams in successfully containing the blaze. Several
firefighters were injured and treated. None of the occupants was injured.
1996 - Jan 10 - Private jet skids off end of runway into a snowbank at airport
during a snow storm at 1540 hrs. None of 4 on board were injured.
1996 - Aug 3 - Careless smoking blames for a fire in the elderly housing complex
at 500 Old Colony Blvd. One resident was in serious condition and later
died. Many others had to be evacuated at the 0026 hrs fire.
1996 - Oct 16 - A smoky blaze damages a 2nd floor nurses lounge at CCH at 1100
hrs. About 30 patients were evacuated from the medical/surgical floor.
1996 - Nov 26 - A 3 alarm fire heavily damaged the CHAMP House rooming house at 14 East Main
Street. Two people burned. One died later.
1997 - Aug 23 - Three alarms for a stubborn fire in a vacant building at 84
Bassett Lane. Three firefighters sent to hospital with minor injuries. Building
was full of foam mattresses and other materials that made extinguishment
difficult in 0547 hrs fire.
1997 - Dec 7 - Spectacular fire destroys furniture storage building on Route 28
near Walton Ave. The fire at 1612 hrs shut down Route 28 to traffic for a period
of time after a hose burst from vehicles going over it. Deckguns and
ladderpipes utilized in 2 alarm fire.
1997 - Dec 15 - Apartment house fire at 576 Main Street displaces 10 residents
at 0215 hrs.
1997 - Dec 30 - Two die in a house fire at 19 Home Port Drive. Two others
escaped.
1998 - April 27 - Woman died in house fire at 10 Bodfish Place at 1300 hrs,
possibly caused by cigarette in a mattress.
1998 - Oct 14 - Man found dead in in a small shed fire at Hyannis rail yard at
1900 hrs.
1998 - Oct 16 - Construction worker electrocuted at Cape & Islands Steel, off
Airport Road as steel comes iin contact with 14,000 volt power lines.
1998 - Oct 21 - Two alarm fire in apartment above 569 Main Street shortly after
0300 hrs. Police and fire personnel evacuated 15 people safely.
1998 - Oct 28 - Fire caused by a candle damages duplex at 22 Fresh Holes Road at
0030 hrs.
1998 - Oct 30 - A smoky fire causes damage to vacant Laundry building on Cape
Cod Mall property off Route 28 at 2300 hrs.
1999 - Feb 18 - A former laundry building on the Cape Cod Mall Property, Route
28 side, was destroyed in a spectacular 2 alarm fire in the afternoon.
Apparently set. Second fire on property within months.
1999 - Mar 1 - Woman injured in a fire at 58 Spruce Street.
1999 - May 19 - A house fire at 29 Mary Dunn Road. A 44 year old male died from
smoke inhalation. The fire was apparently set.
1999 - May 30 - A 2 alarm fire heavily damaged a home on Mark Ave at 2056
hrs. Fire was apparently electrical.
1999 - July 2 - A twin engine, private jet plane slid off the end of Runway 24
at Barnstable Airport coming within 15 feet of Route 28. No fire, no
injuries.
1999 - July 4 - Fire causes $50,000 damage to Sea Street Market. at 1148 hrs.
One firefighter treated for heat exhaustion.
2000 - Mar 17 - In a bizarre St. Patricks Day snow storm, a large corporate jet,
landing down wind, skidded off the end of Runway 24, across Route 28 (just
missing several cars) and into the TJ Maxx parking lot. The occupants of
the jet walked off uninjured. Approximately 1,200 gallons of jet fuel
spilled into the drainage system. No fire and no serious injuries.
Luck of the Irish perhaps.
2000 - Aug 19 - 19 year old woman set self on fire at 310 Barnstable Road office
building. Sprinkler system activated. Victim flown via Medflight to Boston
burn center.
2000 - Aug 23 - Firefighters extinguished a fire in an abandoned warehouse at
Route 132 and Bearse's Way late afternoon. Building is frequented by the
homeless population.
2000 - Aug 30 - Man dies in car fire on Squaw Island at 0229 hrs.
2000 - Sept 17 - Five people rescued by boat from Hyannisport jetty at 1643 hrs
as tide and high waves traps them from reaching shore.
2000 - Oct 23 - Fire claims lives of an elderly couple at 74 Estey Avenue.
2000 - Nov 21 - Fire damages home at 12 Hill Street.
2000 - Nov 29 - Rescuers took 45 minutes using Jaws to extricate driver in car
vs tree crash on North Street following a police pursuit. Medflight
called.
2001 - Jan 18 - A dumpster fire at the Cape Cod Hospital loading dock contained
chemicals. Several employees treated.
2001 - Jan 22 - A major gas leak at Sid's Furniture required the closing of
Route 28 for several hours. Fortunately two small fires self extinguished
and there was no explosion.
2001 - Feb 21 - Fatal head on crash Craigville Beach Road near Smith Street.
Jaws used to extricate victims in 0100 hrs accident.
2001 - Mar 3 - Two separate chemical spills at CCH handled by firefighters in
Haz Mat suits.
2001 - Mar 12 - Firefighters, Police, USCG, and steamship authority participate
in disaster drill on Ferry Eagle.
2001 - April 8 - Two die in headon crash on Craigville Beach Road at 1335 hrs.
2001 - Aug 24 - Two escape injury as their Cessna 150 crashes in woods
shortly after take off from Barnstable Airport after hours at about 0100 hrs.
The plane ended up in the woodsw off Willow Street.
2001 - Sept 11 - Firefighters join other American in shock over terrorist
attacks and loss of 343 FDNY firefighters at World Trade center. Several
Hyannis firefighters, members of the Massachusetts FEMA Urban Search & Rescue
team, were deployed to ground zero as part of the first arriving help from
the outside, going to work that afternoon and operating for about a week.
2001 - Oct - Firefighters coping with numerous ""Anthrax" scares following
terrorist threats.
2001 - Oct 13 - An elderly man died in house fire at 35 Bishops Terrace about
1100 hrs.
2001 - Nov 10 - Firefighters rescue woman from 2nd floor of house on fire at 78
Ridgewood Ave early in the morning.
2001 - Nov 26 - A 4 Alarm fire caused heavy damage to the Cape Crossroads Condos
on Route 132 (800 Bearses Way). The 0315 hours fire in the occupied condo
began in a 3rd floor ceiling and heavy fire was visible in the sky as first
alarm companies approached. The 2nd alarm was transmitted prior to arrival
and the 3rd alarm soon after arrival. Deckguns and ladder pipes as well as
several handlines contained the fire. No injuries.
2002 - April 2 - A man died from burns sustained in a bedroom fire at 191 Winter
Street.
2002 - June 20 - A woman was seriously burned in a fire at the 132 South Street
Harbor House Apartments. Two other family members were also injured in the 0244
hrs fire.
2003 - Jan 4 - A homeless man was rescued from a burning warehouse on Route 132.
The former Old Harbor Cracker Barrel factory was heavily damaged in the fire
that occurred during a heavy snow storm. Firefighters had to cut through
welded doors to gain access. The rescue was made using a thermal imaging
camera.
2002 - Jan 24 - Fire crews worked to contain a 250 - 500 gallon kerosene spill
in Hyannis Harbor. The fuel leaked from a truck bound for Nantucket at
about 1600 hrs.
2003 - Jan 27 - Firefighters responding to an automatic alarm at the Town Hall
found water running from a broken sprinkler system. Damage about $200,000.
2003 - Mar 30 - A smoky three alarm fire threatened the west end of Main Street
at 0026 hrs. The fire at Woody's Restaurant at 525 South Street is at the
intersection with Main Street. Fire was blowing out the windows and
threatening buildings across the street soon after firefighters arrived. The
restaurant was best known as Villa Vechione Italian restaurant for many years
during the 1970s and 80s.
2003 - April 23 - Two teenagers were killed when the vehicle they were operating
struck a tree on Greenwood Ave. Speed was a contributing factor.
2003 - July - Former Chief Glenn Clough passed away. He joined Hyannis FD
in 1942 and became chief in 1955. Highly respected, he was instrumental in
the founding of the Barnstable County Fire Academy and many other aspects of the
fire service on Cape Cod until his retirement in 1981 after 39 years of service.
2004 - Jan 8 - Hyannis firefighters battled bitter cold all day as they tended
to the safe off loading of 10,000 gallons of liquid propane from a tanker truck
that tipped over in rough seas aboard the Steamship Authority vessel Katama. The
tanker truck tipped over around 0800 hrs just off Nantucket. A decision
was made to return to Hyannis harbor arriving about 1100 hrs. The area
surrounding the docks, not far from Cape Cod Hospital was evacuated as a
precaution as the situation was managed throughout the day. No leak occurred.
2004 - Jan 10 - Firefighters put out a fire in a home at 57 Spring Street that
displaced 6-8 residents at 1350 hrs.
INCIDENT HISTORY -
RUN STATS
Incident History
Year
Fire
EMS
Total
1930
130
1950
1960
1966
234
355
589
1970
1973
454
894
1,348
1975
1980
1,036
1,964 3,000
1985
1990
1,256
2,579 3,835
1992
1,218
2,772 3,990
1993
1,254
3,132 4,386
1994
1,382
3,367 4,749
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
5,287
2001
1,431
4,226 5,657
2002
1,384
4,398 5,780
2003
5,795
2004
5,899
2005 1,344
4,469 5,813
2006 1,333
4,510 5,843
2007
5,825
2008 1,252
4,796 6,048
2009 1,167
4,632 5,799
2010 1,193
4,921 6,114
2011
6,072
2012
5,972
2013
6,329
2014
6,619
2015
7,002
2016
6,503
2017
6.628
2018
6,964
2019
7,344
2020
6,856
2021
7,481
2022
8.211
2023
7,876
Updated January 13, 2024
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