Abington Fire Department Chief Jack Glynn said the lightning struck a tree near the home at 395 Randolph St. and the bolt ripped a trench through the ground that went to the home, catching the home on fire.

The heat and force of the lightning strike melted the home’s doorknobs, Glynn said.

There were two adults and two children at home at the time of the fire, and all of the occupants were able to get out of the home without any injuries.

One firefighter was taken to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

The fire happened as additional fire alarm calls were reported for lightning strikes from the same storm system, officials said.

WCVB-TV ABC 5 Boston

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River was trained as an accelerant-detection canine through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and will work alongside her handler, Trooper James Colella, to investigate fires with unknown or suspicious causes.

River joins a team of more than a dozen accelerant-detection dogs that work with local, state and federal agencies. According to state officials, the dogs help investigators identify the presence of ignitable liquids such as gasoline and kerosene at fire scenes.

“Fire investigation has been a core mission of the State Fire Marshal’s office for more than 130 years,” State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said. “But for all the advances in technology we’ve seen in that time, nothing beats a dedicated trooper and a well-trained K9.”

WWLP-TV NBC/CW+ 22 Springfield

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Robert Kilduff Jr., a third-generation firefighter and U.S. Marine veteran, died while responding to a fire on Treadway Road in Dorchester in May after falling from a third-floor porch. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died from injuries sustained in the fall.

“We recognize this incident has had a profound impact on this department, the Kilduff family, and the entire Boston community,” said Boston Fire Commissioner Rodney Marshall.

“We thank the family and the community for their patience as our investigators worked diligently to establish the origin and cause of this fire.”

Investigators determined the fire was caused by thermal runaway involving multiple lithium-ion batteries stored in plastic toolboxes.

“These batteries much be charged, handled and stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and established safety guidelines,” said Marshall.

“Improper charging or storage can create serious fire hazards.”

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in phones, computers, power tools and electric vehicles.

“I don’t want to scare people away from them, but they do pack a lot of energy,” said District Fire Chief Keith Kelly of the Boston Fire Department’s Special Operations Command.

“As long as you’re using them properly with the recommended packages’ guidelines, they’re safe.”

WFXT-TV FOX 25 Boston

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These grants will allow the Barnstable Fire Department, in partnership with the West Barnstable Fire Department, to continue providing valuable fire and life safety education to students and older adults throughout our communities.

The S.A.F.E. program focuses on teaching children essential fire prevention and safety skills, while the Senior SAFE program addresses fire and home safety concerns specific to older adults. Both programs play an important role in preventing emergencies, reducing injuries, and helping residents stay safe.

CapeCod.com

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The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office stated that a single-vehicle crash happened on Route 41, near 2715 State Road. Investigators determined that a Hyundai Sonata traveling northbound crossed into the southbound lane before leaving the roadway and coming to rest in a group of trees.

When first responders arrived, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The West Stockbridge Fire Department and County Ambulance responded to the scene. After firefighters put out the flames, a single occupant was discovered inside the vehicle. The DA’s office identified the body as Christopher Kilmer.

Kilmer was a member of the West Stockbridge Fire Department, where he served alongside his mother and brother. In a social media post, the department said Kilmer joined as soon as he was old enough and spent much of his adult life serving the community.

“It was in his blood to be a firefighter,” the department wrote. “When the tones went off for a fire, he was always the first ones there.”

WTEN-TV ABC 10 Albany

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According to the Warren Fire Department, crews were called at around 9:38 a.m. for a report of smoke seen from the area of Coy Hill Road and Town Farm Road from a possible brush fire. The Department of Conservation and Recreation fire tower confirmed they had visual on smoke in Warren.

It was determined that smoke was coming from the end of North Street, and mutual aid from more than 10 different agencies responded. The Warren Fire Department said that 3.74 acres burned before it was contained.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Due to the dry vegetation from the lack of rain, the department is asking the community to report large volumes of smoke.

WWLP-TV NBC/CW+ 22 Springfield

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During the visit, Velis donated a Rogue Echo Bike to the department to support firefighters’ health and wellness efforts.

According to the Holyoke Fire Department, the senator worked out alongside firefighters at Station 1 before getting a firsthand look at some of their training and emergency response duties.

Department officials thanked Velis for both the visit and the equipment donation, which will be used to help firefighters maintain their physical fitness and overall well-being.

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The event took place at 10 a.m. at the Moody Street Station. Those promoted and hired have already been working in their positions, but the swearing-in ceremony provided an opportunity to solidify the role and honor the fire fighters with their loved ones in attendance.

Captain Timothy H. Quinn, Lieutenant Stephen D. Gardner Jr. and Lieutenant Thomas S. Leard were honored for their promotions earlier this summer. Firefighters James G. Falzone, Michael Leonard, John M. Stanley and Sean J. Sullivan were honored for being hired in May and graduating from the Massachusetts Fire Academy in Stow this August. Firefighters Lucas G. Breton, Edwin B. Faulkner, Hayk Kaya, William J. Keating, Michael P. Monaghan, Cole A. Soave and Bowen R. Taylor were honored following their hiring in July and graduation from the Boston Fire Academy earlier this month.

“I congratulate all these members on their recent accomplishments and wish them success in their new roles,” said Fire Chief Randy Mullin.

The Waltham Times

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According to the Westfield Fire Department, crews were called to a report of a tree on fire in the woods between Holyoke Road and Papermill Road. Officials said the fire was located more than 1,200 feet from the nearest road and about 500 feet up a steep slope, making firefighting efforts difficult.

Members of the Southampton Fire Department assisted by providing a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) equipped for fire suppression. It allowed crews to reach the area and put out the fire by 7 p.m.

The Westfield Fire Department is also reminding residents that current dry conditions can allow outdoor fires to spread quickly. Residents are urged to follow state and local outdoor burning regulations and never leave a fire unattended. Even a small fire can rapidly grow into a larger emergency, especially during dry weather conditions.

WWLP-TV NBC/CW+ 22 Springfield

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Firefighters assigned to Group 1 conducted hands-on training focused on roof ventilation and ladder operations, two important skills used during structural fires and other emergency situations.

According to the department, the property is among the houses scheduled for demolition that are periodically made available to firefighters for training exercises.

Roof ventilation involves creating openings in a building’s roof to allow heat, smoke and gases to escape during a fire. When conditions permit, the technique can improve visibility and help firefighters conduct interior operations.

Ladder training allows firefighters to practice safely positioning and climbing ladders, accessing rooftops and upper floors, and preparing for rescue operations.

Using actual buildings provides firefighters with an opportunity to practice these techniques under conditions that more closely resemble real emergencies than traditional training facilities.

The department says access to buildings scheduled for demolition is particularly valuable because firefighters can perform exercises that would not be possible in occupied homes or buildings that must remain intact.

CapeCod.com

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Rance’s selection follows a search process that included a Search Committee charged with reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and recommending finalists. Town leadership interviewed three finalists, each of whom brought distinct strengths and experience to the process.

“Othaine’s experience and commitment to Provincetown make him the right person to lead our Fire Department into its next chapter,” said Town Manager Alex Morse. “He started as a call member and has held nearly every position in the department. Throughout the challenges of the department’s transition over the past few years, he remained committed to the Town and our members. That dedication speaks not only to his abilities as a leader, but also to his character.”

A native of Black River, Jamaica, Rance began his Provincetown fire service career as a call firefighter and rose through the department’s ranks before becoming Acting Fire Chief in March 2026. He has also worked in the Dennis and Yarmouth fire departments, bringing experience in both emergency operations and department leadership.

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The footage shows that one person attempted to blast a fire extinguisher through the ground-floor windows as the flames grew, before the first fire engine arrived. Some residents tied sheets and blankets together to make a rope, anchored it to a bed and climbed out of a second-story window. Others were trapped inside.

Crews were called at 8:21 a.m. to the building at 303 Spring St. “I was in my office; I could hear them on the phone through the dispatch console, saying they couldn’t get out,” Brockton Fire Department Chief Bran Nardelli said. “Our operators were telling them to stay low and get to a window.”

WCVB-TV ABC 5 Boston

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