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Fire Log
2005
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“Who Ya Gonna Call?”
by Jay Pozark
During the Summer of 2000 a new fire alarm box was added to the City of Lynn fire alarm system. City Box # 82 was placed in service on the front of the Western Avenue Fire Headquarters. Mounted next to the right hand door of Engine Three, it's bright red light is a beacon to people seeking help.
In the past when a fire company was out or a station was closed for lack of funds there was no way to call for help. Now when people come to the station if no one is home they only have to pull the hook.
Historically management has not thought it necessary to put smoke detectors or other fire alarm systems in fire houses. "Who you gonna call" was the retort from the "Enchanted Kingdom". There is an assumption that firefighters will be able to escape and sound the alarm.
Early on the morning of April 14, 1961 the two firefighters on duty at Peabody, MA Engine Five on Lynn Street were asleep in the second floor dorm rooms of the 19th Century wood frame fire station. Fireman McCauley was startled from his sleep by a choking fit. He woke to realize that his room was filled with smoke. Waking his partner Fireman D 'Amico they attempted to leave by the stairs. Heavy smoke and fire blocked their path as it extended to the second floor. The pole hole was no good either as the fire rose through the opening. With no other alternative the two men jumped from the second floor windows. Landing with slight injuries one of them pulled the hook on Box #18 mounted on the front of the firehouse. With the fire threatening exposures the two men began to evacuate neighboring houses.
Deputy Fire Chief Edward O'Brien led the first alarm assignment. He transmitted a second alarm on arrival. Fire had spread to one adjacent house and companies began the attack. Chief Arthur C. Flynn responded on second alarm and assumed command.
At 0221 hours Lynn Engine Two and Ladder Four responded from the Glenmere Firehouse on Chestnut Street to the fire. Working with the Peabody companies they fought the fire returning at 0543 hours. Engine Two used 250' of 1 1/2" hose and Ladder Four threw 60' of ladders.
The firehouse was completely destroyed, burning literally to the ground. The body of a vagrant was found among the ruins. Engine Five's 1942 Mack sedan cab pumper was completely destroyed also. The exposures suffered some damage. To add injury to insult the automobiles of the two firemen were destroyed by the fire as well. Had it not been for the ease of transmitting the alarm the loss could have been much worse.
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