Orange, MA Fire Rescue EMS

06/21/2026

Happy Fathers Day to not only our own members, but to our whole community! Being a firefighter Father is tough- if on shift, you miss family events and celebrations, if on-call, you get called away from important events unexpectedly . Thank you all- for the dedication and commitment to this community and our department.
Happy Father’s Day!!

06/18/2026

June 18 2:15pm- Tornado Watch for our area. Remember, a watch means we have the ingredients to make it happen. A warning means it is forming in our area. Please pay attention to local warnings.

06/18/2026

June 17, 2026
5:23pm
Structure Fire
One injury

On June 17, approx 5:23pm our Department was notified of a reported Structure Fire at 120 Oaklawn Ave with reported flames showing from a 2nd Fl window of an occupied structure, and a family, including five children were evacuating. First arriving units confirmed smoke showing and under the Command of Captain Hopkins, a working fire was struck bringing in mutual aid.
As a crew went interior to locate and work on fire suppression, they found fire rolling across the ceiling of a 2nd Fl bedroom and was knocked down fairly quickly. Crews then worked on salvage and overhaul, and checked for extension. Although the fire damage was contained to mainly to room and contents, there was smoke damage throughout the residence.
During the search phase of the incident, an interior crew on the 1st Fl located one of two cats that was missing. The cat was able to be captured after a short struggle and able to safely be evacuated and reunited with family. The second cat was seen, but unable to be captured in a safe manner . The cause of the fire is deemed accidental in nature, and the affected unit is uninhabitable at this time due to smoke and water damage throughout the residence. The family is being assisted by the Red Cross.
*Special recognition should be given to the family that occupied this residence. Once the fire was noticed, one of the children closed the bedroom door, all family members were notified, 9-1-1 was called and they safely evacuated to await responders.
The action of closing the bedroom door, without a doubt, saved significant damage to the 2nd floor, if not saved the entire residence. Outstanding job, and kudos to the family, for instilling fire safety protocols within their family. All alarms were activated, and although one person was transported to the hospital with minor injuries, everyone is safe.
Thank you to Shelburne Control for coordinating our mutual aid and assisting in scene management.
All photos by Bryan Favreau

06/14/2026

Today, the 2nd Sunday of June, is Firefighters Memorial Sunday. We honor and remember those who have given their lives for this job

Many fire departments observe Firefighters Memorial Sunday in June, and Massachusetts law recognizes it on the second Sunday. Thank you to Governor Maura Healey for proclaiming today Firefighters Memorial Sunday 2026, honoring Boston Fire Department Firefighter Robert "BK" Kilduff, Jr, and all departed firefighters: "Their contributions to our collective safety and well-being should never be forgotten."

06/10/2026

Shout out to our friends at Impact Nano in the Randall Pond Industrial Park for giving on duty, off duty/on-call members a tour of their facility this evening.
Staff was very knowledgeable, and it was extremely clear that safety is their #1 priority.
These people do important work 24/7 and it was great to get an inside look to see hazards, safety plans, the technology, safety equipment and have a general understanding what to do if an emergency arises. These employees are very well trained for an emergency and we are fortunate to have them in our community.
Thanks again Impact Nano staff!
More information about the facility can be found here- https://www.impact-nano.com/

06/09/2026

A busy one today! Thanks to our dispatchers Massachusetts State 911 Shelburne Control for holding it all together, Athol Hospital for taking such good care of everyone and the crews in the area for their response

06/05/2026

Today we spent time at Impact Nano teaching the proper use of fire extinguishers to put out an incipient fire. This prop, which we borrow from our neighbors Athol Fire Department, allows participants to practice shutting off the power to their machine, pulling the pull station to sound the alarm in the building and then extinguishing a simulated fire.
We love the opportunity to teach these skills in our local community and are currently fundraising to purchase our own prop. If you have any questions, want to make a donation towards this prop or would like to schedule a training for your company please email [email protected]

06/03/2026

Last night, 6.2.26 around 10:14pm we were dispatched to a brush fire in the woods between Pinecrest Apts and Robin Lane.
While the fire was likely unintentional, evidence suggests there may have been some nefarious activities occurring and carelessness that caused the fire- which included a burnt mattress, sofa chair and multiple tires. It is clear this is a spot that is visited frequently either for some quiet time alone, maybe some meditation, maybe just out counting stars while laying on a abandoned soiled mattress-
In any case, accidents happen. Please call 911 if a fire is created and we can handle it sooner and not risk property (or lives). We would much rather put out a small fire and educate you, than to get someone in trouble if it’s accidental. Be safe everyone!

06/03/2026

Last week we continued our 60+ year tradition of having the 1st graders from Orange Elementary School on a field trip to the fire station. We had so much fun! They learned about calling 911 (and using our fire boxes in town during emergencies), “good” fires when camping or making s’mores, the equipment a firefighter wears and uses and they even got to meet Smokey Bear! Thank you to the teacher, District 9 DCF and our crew for helping!
This also marks the first year in many that EVERY elementary grade received fire safety lessons! Thank you to all for that time and dedication to fire safety

06/01/2026

Our condolences to the Athol Police Department and Sgt Deveneau.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of retired K9 Officer Gronk.

K9 Gronk was appointed as a K9 Officer for the Town of Athol on June 25, 2017, alongside his handler, then-Officer Craig Deveneau. Throughout his distinguished career, Gronk served the citizens of Athol with unwavering loyalty, dedication, and professionalism. He assisted in numerous narcotics investigations and missing person searches, helping to keep our community safe.

During his nearly nine years of service, Gronk achieved and maintained multiple certifications, including Patrol K9 Team and Narcotic Detection K9 Team through the Boston Police Canine Academy. He also earned certifications through the North American Police Work Dog Association in obedience, article searches, area searches, building searches, tracking, and aggression control, and achieved excellence in certification through the United States Police Canine Association. In addition, Gronk completed the required 16 hours of monthly continuing education training throughout his career.

Earlier this year, due to his age and Sergeant Craig Deveneau's promotion, Gronk retired healthy on February 8, 2026. He spent his retirement enjoying life at home with Sergeant Deveneau.

Recently, Gronk was diagnosed with an aggressive and untreatable form of cancer. On May 30, 2026, Sergeant Deveneau made the difficult and compassionate decision to put his trusted partner to rest.

The bond between a K9 and their handler is unlike any other. Gronk was more than a police dog; he was a partner, protector, and beloved member of the Deveneau family and the Athol Police Department family.

In honor of Gronk's service and sacrifice, Athol Police officers will be wearing mourning bands on their badges until Gronk is returned home to Sergeant Deveneau from the crematorium.

We ask that you keep Sergeant Deveneau and his family in your thoughts during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of a loyal companion and friend.

Thank you, Gronk, for your years of faithful service to our department and community. Your pawprints will forever remain in our hearts. 💙🐾

Rest easy, K9 Gronk. We have the watch from here.