Waltham (MA) Fire Department receives fire investigation grant
Factory Mutual recently awarded a $3,000 arson fund grant to the Waltham (MA) Fire Department. The department will purchase a notebook-type computer for tracking fire investigation data, according to Chief Thomas Keough.
The department now has one deputy chief dedicated to fire investigation and is aiming to provide formal training in fire investigation for all department members, Keough noted in a recent interview. The fire department works closely with the police department and fire marshal`s office, and they are planning a three- to four-hour fire investigation program for the department, Keough adds, as he notes, “We`ve been training our people,” explaining that first-line companies meet after returning from incidents to exchange information vital to fire investigation, such as whether a door was open or had to be forced open or whether anyone was seen running from scene. The companies are asked to put such details in their reports.
Future plans also include acquiring additional equipment that will pick up accelerants.
