New Bedford Fire Department

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New Bedford Fire Department

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We strive to reduce the risk to the community through public education and prevention. Comments unrelated to these designated topics may be subject to removal.

OUR MISSION:
To protect the lives and property of the citizens and visitors of the City of New Bedford against harm from all hazards whether natural or man made. As a maritime community we are committed to the protection of the environment and it’s natural resources from harm. Our mission is accomplished through service to others, dedication and a commitment to providing the highest levels of service to the community possible. TERMS OF USE:
This social media account is a limited public forum, not an open forum and the topics addressed on this site are limited to the following subjects: Fire safety, emergency preparedness, public service announcements related to fire & life safety, recruitment information, and department and local news/events. Comments that contain any of the following content may also be subject to removal: content that is profane, obscene, violent, threatening or pornographic; defamatory or personal attacks; solicitations or advertising; material that violates trademark or copyright interests; content regarding a political campaign, candidate or ballot measure; material that is discriminatory, biased, intimidating or hateful toward any individual or group; postings that encourage illegal activity; or information that compromises the safety and security of the public or public systems. A comment posted by a member of the public on this site is the opinion of the commentator only, and publication of a comment does not imply endorsement of, or agreement by, the City, nor do such comments necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the City. Commenters should be aware that their comments are public records and are subject to disclosure and retention by the City pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law.

11/02/2026

STRUCTURE FIRE

November 1, 2026

491 N. Front Street- New Bedford

At approximately 5:41 p.m. on November 1st, the New Bedford Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 491 North Front Street, a three-family residential building.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered smoke showing from the basement. Engine 8 was committed to another emergency incident placing Engine 9 as the first due engine. Once on scene the crew stretched a hose line to the basement without delay, where they located a dryer fire. The fire was quickly extinguished preventing extension to the structure.

Smoke had spread throughout the building, requiring firefighters to conduct ventilation operations and monitor conditions to ensure the building was safe for occupants.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and all residents were able to reoccupy their homes a short time later.

The home was protected by working smoke alarms, which alerted occupants.

The NBFD reminds residents to regularly clean dryer lint traps and inspect dryer exhaust vents to reduce the risk of fires.

11/01/2026

STRUCTURE FIRE

17 Adams Street | New Bedford

New Bedford firefighters responded to a structure fire at 17 Adams Street involving a second-floor bedroom in a large apartment building.

Upon arrival, crews encountered an active fire in a second floor bedroom and quickly advanced an attack line to extinguish the flames. Engine 7 made an aggressive interior attack, bringing the fire under control with a single hose line. An additional line was advanced as a precaution while other crews conducted search operations to ensure everyone was safely out of the building.

The quick actions of the responding firefighters, particularly their ability to rapidly get water on the fire, were instrumental in containing the fire to the area of origin and preventing it from spreading throughout this large residential building. Their efforts significantly limited the potential for additional property damage and further displacement of residents.

During firefighting operations, crews also rescued three pets from the building, including a dog, a cat, and a bird.

Unfortunately, 11 residents were displaced as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross responded to assist those affected.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and remains under investigation.

Responding units included Engine 7, Engine 8, Engine 1, Ladder 4, Ladder 1, Unit 1, and Unit 2.

We would also like to thank the Providence Canteen and NBEMS for responding and providing support to our firefighters.

Outstanding work by all responding crews. Their quick response, aggressive firefighting efforts, and coordinated operations prevented what could have been a much more significant incident in a large, occupied apartment building.

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween! When lighting your Jack O'Lantern this year, try flameless alternatives like glow sticks (eerie), battery-powered tea lights (some models even flicker like the real thing), or battery-powered fairy lights (for a neo-bohemian look). Big fires start small, especially under the current weather conditions: don't let a candle fire ruin your Halloween festivities!

10/31/2026

Smoke alarms that are disabled or outdated -- like this one, found melted beyond recognition at the scene of a fatal fire -- won't protect your loved ones in an emergency. When you change your clocks tomorrow, replace the alkaline batteries in alarms that use them and check the manufacturing date on the back. If an alarm is more than 10 years old, replace it right away: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-you-change-your-clocks-check-your-alarms

10/27/2026

Books, fire safety, and a fire truck! 🚒

Thank you to Little People's College for having Fire & Life Safety Educator Firefighter Lora Brightman, Lieutenant Lynch, and Firefighter Girouard visit!

10/22/2026

Last week's tragic fire in took place in a home without working . Modern construction and furnishings allow house fires to become deadly faster than ever before. Smoke alarms can alert you to the danger before it's too late.

Older adults are at greatest risk of death or injury in a fire at home. Please check in with older friends, neighbors, and family members to be sure they're protected: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms

10/20/2026

More than five decades later, we pause to honor the life of Firefighter Ernest Reynolds of the Bedford Fire Department and the legacy he leaves behind.

We remain forever grateful for his dedication to protecting others and for the courage and selflessness that define the firefighting profession. His service represents a lasting commitment to the safety and well-being of the community he proudly served.

We remember Firefighter Reynolds with deep gratitude and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues today and always.

Honoring Courage. Honoring Service. May Ernest Reynolds never be forgotten.

Address

New Bedford, MA

Telephone

+15089916105

Website

http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/fire-department

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