Norwood Firefighters Local 1631

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

UPDATE – MBTA Railroad Incident

Earlier this morning, Norwood Fire and Police responded to an industrial accident involving two railroad maintenance vehicles on the MBTA tracks in the area of Hill Street.

Upon arrival, initial crews encountered multiple injured workers and immediately began assessing patients, requesting additional resources, and coordinating the movement of emergency personnel and apparatus into the area. Crews worked to access, evaluate, and safely remove the injured workers from the railroad tracks while coordinating medical treatment and transportation. In total, six workers were transported to area hospitals

Mutual aid assistance was provided by the Sharon, Walpole, Westwood, Canton and Dedham Fire Departments, with resources utilized both at the scene and to handle multiple other emergency calls occurring simultaneously throughout town. We thank our neighboring departments for their assistance.

The incident remains under investigation by the MBTA Transit Police, who are the appropriate point of contact for any further inquiries regarding the circumstances of the accident.

(Photo Credit to NBC10 Boston & Channel 7 WHDH)

Dedham Firefighters Local 1735
Westwood Firefighters Local 1994
Walpole Firefighters IAFF Local 2464
Sharon Firefighters Local 1880
Canton Firefighters IAFF Local 1580
Town of Norwood MA

11/02/2026

ONGOING INCIDENT

Norwood Firefighters are currently working an incident on the MBTA train tracks. Please avoid the area and allow emergency crews to work

11/01/2026

FALL BACK, STAY SAFE!

As we turn the clocks back today, the Norwood Fire Department reminds residents that it’s a great time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

As colder weather arrives and heating systems begin working harder, the risk of carbon monoxide exposure increases.

Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer” because it is colorless, odorless, and impossible to detect without a working CO alarm. Exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and in serious cases, unconsciousness or death.

If your CO alarm sounds, get everyone outside immediately and call 911. Do not reenter until emergency personnel determine it is safe to do so

10/27/2026

Engine 5 is responding to the Town of Westwood mutual aid to the scene for the working fire at Westwood High School.

10/22/2026

With over 900 fire hydrants throughout Norwood, keeping them maintained and operational is no small task. A big thank you to the hardworking crews of the Norwood DPW & Water Department for the work they put in every day, often behind the scenes, to maintain such an important part of our town’s infrastructure. Their dedication and hard work don’t go unnoticed, and we’re fortunate to have such a great crew looking after our community!

10/18/2026

Earlier today, Norwood Firefighters from Engine 6 and Ambulance 5 responded to a reported burn injury.

After assessing the patient, our paramedics requested Boston MedFlight. Crews coordinated a landing zone at Norwood Airport, where the patient was transferred to the flight crew for transport to a Boston trauma center.

While not an everyday occurrence, incidents like this are a reminder of the important role our firefighter/paramedics play in providing emergency medical care to the community. From the initial response and assessment to coordinating specialized resources, our crews work to ensure patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible.

A special thank you to Boston MedFlight and their flight crews, who play a critical role in our region’s emergency medical system. Their ability to bring advanced critical care capabilities directly to patients and provide specialized care during transport is an invaluable resource to our firefighters, paramedics, and the communities we serve.

Boston MedFlight
Town of Norwood MA

10/14/2026

53 Years Ago: The Great Chelsea Fire

On Sunday, October 14, 1973, one of the most devastating fires in Massachusetts history swept through the City of Chelsea.

Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, the fire quickly grew beyond the capabilities of the Chelsea Fire Department. Fire companies from across Massachusetts were called in as flames consumed 18 city blocks and destroyed more than 300 buildings. Despite the enormous destruction, remarkably, no lives were lost.

Among the departments answering the call was the Norwood Fire Department, which dispatched Engine 3 with the following crew:

• Lieutenant Bill Orphan
• Firefighter Jim Flaherty Sr. — Driver
• Firefighter Brian Hebner
• Firefighter Wally Houghton
• Firefighter Paul Narbut

According to a firsthand account preserved in our department’s history, Engine 3 operated at the corner of Broadway and Fourth Street, pumping water toward the massive fire. Norwood Off Duty Firefighters Jim and Richard Flaherty were both also on scene assisting crews.

Firefighters battled not only the flames but tremendous heat, wind-driven embers, and significant water supply challenges. The fire became a massive regional mutual aid operation, with departments working together to prevent further destruction.

Today, 53 years later, we remember the Norwood firefighters who made the trip to Chelsea and the hundreds of firefighters who answered the call that day.

Chelsea Firefighters Local 937

10/11/2026

Sunday Throwback – December 1990 | South Norwood Fire

We're taking it back nearly 36 years with this footage of Norwood Firefighters battling a fire at South Norwood Hardware in December 1990.

South Norwood, like several of our older neighborhoods and business districts, has areas where buildings sit close together. That density presents challenges for firefighters, where a fire in one building can quickly threaten neighboring properties. It's a reminder of some of the unique hazards that have existed in Norwood for generations and remain part of firefighting in our community today.

A great look back at Norwood's history, the firefighters who came before us, and a town that has changed quite a bit over the years.

10/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out tonight for our showing of Burnin’ Down the House.

This documentary tells a story that goes far beyond aging fire stations. It’s about the men and women who spend their careers protecting their communities, often while facing serious health risks in the very buildings they call their second home.

The film highlights conditions right here in Massachusetts, including our neighbors in Westwood, as well as Worcester and Fall River. Mold, asbestos, diesel exhaust, and years of deteriorating conditions are realities far too many firefighters face.

Perhaps the most sobering statistic is that nearly 80% of firefighters honored at the IAFF’s 2025 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial died from occupational cancer. Behind every one of those numbers is a family, a friend, and a life cut short.

Firefighters understand the risks that come with answering the call. What they shouldn’t have to accept are preventable dangers waiting for them when they return to the station.

To everyone who took time out of their evening to watch, listen, and better understand these issues, thank you. Your presence and support mean a great deal to us and to our brothers and sisters across the fire service.

The people who dedicate their lives to protecting others deserve to be protected, too.

A special thank you to Town Manager Tony Mazzucco and the Norwood Theatre for organizing and hosting tonight’s event.

- Norwood Firefighters Local 1631

BurnindownDoc
Last Call Foundation in Memory of Fallen Firefighter Michael Kennedy
Worcester Fire Fighters Local 1009
Fall River Firefighters
Westwood Firefighters Local 1994
Town of Norwood MA
Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM)