Crime & Safety

Fire Truck Accidentally Hits Pole Hidden By Bush On Riverneck Road

The following are excerpts from the Chelmsford Fire Department log.

Oct. 6, 3:29 p.m. – A fire truck side-swiped a pole on Riverneck Road hidden behind some bushes as it was slowly making a u-turn.

The truck had no damage outside of a grab bar on the driver’s side of the truck getting knocked off.

Oct. 8, 7:06 p.m. – One fire alarm at the Trairatanaram Temple in North Chelmsford was all it took to get the building shut down according to Fire Department reports.

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After receiving an alarm from the building, firefighters discovered that they could not get any more updates upon arrival due to workers on the scene removing smoke detectors to paint a ceiling within the inside of the temple.

This led to a heated discussion between firefighters on the scene and the individuals painting the ceiling, with the town building inspector and higher ranking officials in the department being called to investigate.

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Upon further inspection, they found another individual removing electrical wiring in order to install drywall, six illegal bedrooms, a heating boiler covered in flammable clothes, an illegal 30 amp hookup connecting to the building next door, no exit signs, and blocked off fire exits.

All of the occupants of the building were ordered to leave the premises and the building itself was shut down until the safety violations were rectified.

Two days later, residents of the building were allowed to return to retrieve medications, food, and other personal items.

Oct. 11, 11:10 p.m. – Firefighters were dispatched to Middlesex Street after reports of a large fire.

Upon arrival, it was discovered the fire was contained and intentionally set by a home owner in their backyard.

The home owner was advised on burning regulations and the fire was extinguished.

 

 


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