Edgartown Fire Department

09/15/2026

EFD Trains at Katama Airfield

This week, EFD members toured Katama Airfield for a hands-on training focused on small plane mechanics and design, emergency response protocols, and potential incident scenarios. Members also drove the runways to get familiar with the layout — valuable prep for any future response on the field.

Katama Airfield has a rich history of its own: once pastureland owned by the Vincent family, it's been an active airfield since 1924, hosting the Curtiss Wright Corporation, the Martha's Vineyard Flying Club, the Civil Air Patrol, and others over the decades. The surrounding Katama Plains are also ecologically significant — a remnant of the sandplain grasslands that once covered much of the Vineyard's south shore. This globally rare habitat, found only on Massachusetts' coastal islands and Long Island, NY, supports numerous rare birds, butterflies, and plants.

We also welcomed three new recruits to the department during this training!

A special thank-you to Airfield staff Mike and Harry for generously sharing their time and knowledge — and for patiently answering every question along the way.

09/12/2026

Thank you to Anne for taking this shot of our group!

09/12/2026

On this beautiful morning some of our members completed a 3.43 mile ruck (walk with weights).

3.43 miles to honor the 343 firefighter lives that were lost 25 years ago on 9.11.

EFD will never forget

09/11/2026

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2026 Golf Tournament Sponsorships Choose your Sponsorship Level We are grateful for your interest in supporting the Edgartown Firemen’s Association Annual Golf Tournament. Your sponsorship helps fund scholarships for graduating high school seniors from Martha’s Vineyard—an investment in the fu...

09/11/2026

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We will never forget……

09/08/2026

Happy back to school to all of Martha’s scholars!

Have a successful, educational year!

09/01/2026

Team Monday handled a possible shark bite off of south beach!

Please remember the water is full of creatures, with big teeth, who are experts at blending into their surroundings. Always stay vigilant when swimming in any waters.

We are sending our best to the young woman who was injured

Updated 4:22 pm: A woman in her late 20s was pulled from the water off Norton Point around 1:40 pm on Monday afternoon with injuries to her lower leg consistent with a bite from a marine animal.

A press release from the town of Edgartown said the wounds were “considered consistent with a potential shark bite.”

No shark or other marine animal was seen or confirmed in connection with the incident, according to the press release from Edgartown.

Edgartown Fire, EMS, and the town’s Parks Department rangers treated the woman at the scene, and the individual was transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Her injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, and no limbs were lost.

In accordance with Edgartown town protocol, following the suspected shark attack, swimming at South Beach is suspended for several hours as a precaution, according to the release. Town personnel will assess conditions in the water before reopening.

A transcript of Martha’s Vineyard Public Safety Radio said that “a female party that pulled from water is bleeding.” At 1:49 pm, someone over the radio said “reporting possible shark bites.”

A beachgoer who was parked next to the party of cars near where the incident occurred at the end of Norton Points over sand vehicle access, told The Times that “someone was bit by something” in shallow water.

At 3 pm, Edgartown Parks Department rangers, who manage Norton Point, were driving around warning people that “there were shark sightings.” Planes, including the red biplane, were also doing flyovers. Mike Creato of Classic Aviators in Katama, who flies the red biplane, is often the one called by beach managers on the south shore to look out for shadows in the water.

Police and emergency officials blocked off the entrance to drive onto Norton Point.

This is a developing story. Stay updated at mvtimes.com.

📸: Nicholas Vukota

08/28/2026

Rubbernecking: turning your head or slowing down to stare at something out of curiosity, especially at the site of a car crash

An accident scene can be interesting to those who have never seen one. But rubbernecking is DANGEROUS. There are first responders in the road, debris, and other cars. Rubbernecking or being a looky-loo is a great way to cause a second accident!

Please keep your eyes on the road at all times, especially when traffic is already compromised.

08/22/2026

Substance abuse effects a large population on the island. There is no shame in asking for help.

There are resources here to help you and your loved ones.

08/21/2026

Well, I’ve got friends in tight places……

Tight space drills are not for the claustrophobic at heart!