Reading Fire Local 1640

The official twitter representing the men and women of Reading Massachusetts Firefighters Local 1640.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Last week, we welcomed Chief Jerry Knapp for his Tactical Response to Explosive Gas Emergencies program. As an expert in gas emergencies, Chief Knapp covered response procedures, atmospheric monitoring, incident types, and more.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Before 4 p.m. this afternoon, calls came in reporting a vehicle fire in the Jordans Furniture parking lot on Walkers Brook Drive. Crews arrived to find a small SUV fully engulfed, with wind spreading the flames toward nearby vehicles. The fire was quickly brought under control.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Last week, crews rotated through training at an acquired home on before its demolition. They practiced vertical ventilation, ground ladder placement, searches, hose line deployment and more. Training in acquired structures gives crews the chance to work in unfamiliar settings.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

You wouldn’t know it from the weather, but we’re already three days into November! Here are our October 2026 run stats.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

The crew at Fire Station 2 enjoyed welcoming and interacting with trick or treaters last night! We enjoyed seeing all the smiling faces and great costumes! Even the scary ones!

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

On Tuesday, we shared photos and details from recent tactics and command training that placed our senior firefighters in supervisory roles. Take a look at this 2-minute highlight reel! Many thanks to the Westford Fire Department for use of their training facility.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Last Monday, many of our members took part in tactics and incident command training. Building on last year’s department-wide training and shift in incident management, this session prepared senior firefighters to step into fireground supervisory roles.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Recently members of group 3 took the opportunity of a nice day and drilled on fireground hydraulics, pumping and different uses for Ladder 1s aerial master stream.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Just after 7pm, Reading Engine 3 responded to North Reading to assist with a working fire in an apartment building on Washington Street. The fire was quickly controlled by the crews at the scene.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Just before 5pm yesterday, Reading Engine 3 assisted Woburn Firefighters with a 2nd alarm commercial building fire. The crew of Engine 3 worked interior to complete searches and assure the fire didn’t extend further.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

In addition to other duties including inspections, training and fire drills, our crews have had a very busy week! Crews responded to 82 incidents this week including medical aids, fire related incidents, motor vehicle accidents and public assistance.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

This week our crews completed round 2 of school fire drills. Did you know that Massachusetts Fire Departments are required to complete school fire drills at least 4 times each school year? The staff and students all did an excellent job!

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Group 2 recently drilled on self rescue techniques. Pictured here, Firefighters are completing low profile drills to fit through small spaces while wearing full protective equipment. This technique could be useful if a firefighter became trapped.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Reading Fire September 2026 Run Activity

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Around 7:15 Saturday night units were dispatched to Main Street at Summer Ave for a Motor Vehicle Fire. Crews arrived to find a single vehicle on fire and a single occupant safely out of the vehicle. The fire was quickly extinguished. There were no injuries.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

This afternoon, our Chief Officers hosted the line staff along with their families and friends to fire station 1 for their annual 5 Alarm Family Cookout. The afternoon aims to build a personal connection with the crews and their loved ones!

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

With several major projects underway in town, our firefighters have been touring the new buildings. Seeing how a structure is built and learning the layout helps us respond faster and safer if a fire or other emergency occurs—no matter the scale.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Reading Firefighter Paramedics recently took part in prehospital ventilator training. These ventilators will help our Paramedics deliver precise respiratory support during critical medical and traumatic emergencies. Once all training is finished, the devices will be deployed.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Reading Firefighters were busy over the weekend, responding to 30 calls for service. Pictured here are power lines glowing red from electrical issue caused by the storm, a reminder of how dangerous live wires can be.

[Reading Fire Local 1640 @Readingfire]

Just before 1 PM, companies were dispatched to Main at Franklin Street for a rollover crash. Crews found a two-vehicle collision with one car on its side. Occupants had exited before responders arrived. Crews stabilized the overturned vehicle and evaluated two people on scene.