North Reading, MA Firefighters Local 1857

08/08/2026

Yesterday afternoon North Reading Firefighters responded to the Town of Wakefield to 102 Foundry St for a large fire in a vacant commercial property. Firefighters responded in Ladder 1 when the second alarm was struck at a fire which would eventually go to six alarms. Ladder 1 worked along side Wakefield and many other mutual aid communities to bring this fire under control.

08/05/2026

Yesterday we participated in the National Night Out event at Ipswich River Park. Members had various equipment and trucks on display, the weather was fantastic and there was a very large turnout! We always enjoy the ability to interact with the public at events like this to showcase ourselves and our department.

08/03/2026

Just after 830 this morning North Reading Firefighters were called to the rear of 197 Main St for a car fire, firefighters arrived to find a car with the engine compartment fully involved. E3 knocked the fire down quickly and no injuries were reported.

07/21/2026

Lucky to play a small role in this happy delivery!!

Two Reading Police officers helped to safely deliver a baby boy early Monday morning.

On Monday, July 20, at about 3:48 a.m., Dispatcher Brad Mickle received a 911 call from a man reporting that his wife was in labor in their vehicle.

Mickle advised the man to pull over and kept him calm while collecting necessary information and dispatching the Police and Fire Departments to the scene.

Officers Lorrin Taliaferro and Paul Peoples were the first to respond to the scene.
As they checked on the mother, it became apparent that she was deep in labor and would need to deliver the baby in the vehicle.

With the assistance of Officers Taliaferro and Peoples, a healthy baby boy was delivered.

Officer Taliaferro assessed and monitored the baby to ensure he remained crying and responsive while Officer Peoples evaluated the mother until the Reading and North Reading Fire Departments responded to the scene and transported the mother and baby to Wi******er Hospital.

The Reading Police Department is pleased to report that both the mother and baby are doing well.

"First, I would like to congratulate this family on their beautiful new addition," said Chief Clark. "I would also like to recognize Officers Taliaferro and Peoples and Dispatcher Brad Mickle for their composure in a fast-paced, stressful situation. Professionalism and attentiveness matter most in situations like these, and the response from these officers alleviated some of the stress from the parents in an overwhelming moment. We wish the family all the best, and we are pleased to hear that everyone is doing well."

07/16/2026

This morning just after 830am North Shore Regional 911 Center hit an all tone for the reported house fire at 8 Swan Pond Rd. Engine 3 arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the residence and called a working fire. One line was stretched and through an interior attack was able to quickly knock heavy fire down in one room of the residence preventing further extension of the fire. Operating on scene was NR E3, E2 & L1, an Engine from Middleton was also on scene, Reading P1 transported one resident for smoke inhalation while Armstrong EMS P5 remained on scene for EMS standby, Rehab 5 was on scene for fireground rehab. Covering other emergencies in town during the fire was a Wilmington Engine and the Lynnfield Ladder. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

07/14/2026

Sunday afternoon, North Reading firefighters (Group 2/Engine3) responded to the city of Lawrence for a large fire on Haverhill St. Initially responding on a cover assignment on the third alarm Engine 3 was sent to the fire when the 4th alarm was struck, the fire would eventually go to 5 alarms and involve three separate buildings before it was brought under control nearly 7 hours later. Firefighters operated in multiple buildings on scene and worked alongside Lawrence and the many various mutual aid communities that were on scene.

Photo Credit to Massfirebuffs, Al Pereira Photos and others.

07/07/2026

NR Firefighters Local 1857 stands in solidarity with the nurses of Brigham and Women's and MGB Home Care!

07/04/2026

From all of the members of Local 1857 we wish all of our friends, family and followers a very Happy 4th of July! Among the things that makes our country great is the American Fire Service! For over 250 years when the call goes out for assistance in any form, firefighters have always responded. We cherish that legacy laid before us and endeavor to hold ourselves to the highest standards when it comes to serving our community. Here is to 250 more!

Enjoy the 4th! Stay cool, stay safe! Like always, we’re here if you need us. 🇺🇸

06/30/2026

With some very hot weather approaching, check out the infographics for some tips on how to beat the heat.

Stay hydrated. Clear liquids are best.

Limit time outdoors.

Check on children, elderly or at risk neighbors.

Keep an eye on pets, remember that the ground will be wicked hot.

Do Not leave pets or children unattended in vehicles.

If you suspect someone is showing symptoms of heat exposure, call 911.

North Reading will have several cooling centers open:

The Library will be open Wednesday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Thursday from 10 AM to 8 PM.

The Senior Center will be open Wednesday and Thursday from 8 AM to 4 PM.

The Police Department Community Room will be open Wednesday from 5 PM to 8 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM.