Wellfleet Fire Department

05/21/2026

The Wellfleet Fire Department participated in a coordinated regional training exercise on May 20th at Wellfleet Marina, focused on emergency response operations involving a potential marine oil spill.

Participating agencies included the Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown Fire Departments and Harbormasters, along with the Wellfleet Shellfish Department, Health Agent, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Fire Services, and additional regional partners.

During the exercise, booms were deployed in an exclusion strategy designed to decrease and stop the spread of oil into protected areas, including the backside of the pier and Duck Creek.

This is one of several response strategies developed for Wellfleet Harbor under the MA DEP Geographic Response Strategy Plan. The exclusion booming strategy utilized during the exercise had not previously been field tested. Following today’s training, the strategy will be reviewed and updated based on operational observations and lessons learned.

More information on the MA DEP Geographic Response Strategies can be found here:
[https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massgis-data-massachusetts-geographic-response-strategies](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massgis-data-massachusetts-geographic-response-strategies)

The Wellfleet Fire Department would like to thank all participating agencies for their continued partnership and commitment to protecting the community and the natural resources of Wellfleet.

05/12/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 12,2026
Contact: Fire Chief Joseph Cappello
Phone: (508) 349-3754

Wellfleet Fire Department Responds to Overnight Shed Fire
WELLFLEET, MA — The Wellfleet Fire Department responded to a reported shed fire at 11:10 PM last evening.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the fire had extended beyond the shed and spread to a local fisherman’s shellfishing gear and boat. Fire crews quickly deployed multiple 1-3/4” attack lines to contain and extinguish the blaze, preventing extension to nearby homes and protecting additional uninvolved shellfishing gear threatened by the fire.

Due to the size and complexity of the incident, mutual aid assistance was requested from the Eastham Fire Department Truro Fire Department, Orleans Fire-Rescue and Brewster Fire Department The Wellfleet Police Departmentalso assisted at the scene with traffic control and scene safety.

There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.
At this time, the cause of the fire remains under investigation and is currently undetermined.

The Wellfleet Fire Department would like to thank all assisting agencies for their rapid response and coordinated efforts during the incident. Their actions helped contain the fire and reduce the loss to shellfishing equipment, which remains an important part of Wellfleet’s working waterfront and local economy.

05/04/2026

It’s a beautiful day for some training! Group One capitalized on the nice weather and did some work with the Ladder at White Crest today ☀️

05/04/2026

Happy to all our friends who celebrate! You don't have to be a Jedi Knight to protect yourself and your loved ones from fires at home -- but you do need working . Be sure they're installed on every level of your home and test them once a month to be sure they're working properly. Even a half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder can do it!

04/28/2026

⚠️ PSA regarding Wellfleet Beaches ⚠️

Due to the erosion that has occurred throughout the winter, the access trails to White Crest, Lecount Hollow, and Cahoon Hallow have been deemed unsafe to travel up and down. The Fire Department has sectioned off the trails until DPW restores them.

04/08/2026

04/03/2026

Over the past two days Wellfleet Fire has had the opportunity to train with Barnstable County Government’s Fire Academy Crew and their burn trailer.

Through scenario-based evolutions, our team was able to get hands-on training. It was a wonderful opportunity to further develop teamwork, communication, FF I/II skills, and safety on the fire ground.

Thank you to the Barnstable County Fire Academy Instructors for their time and knowledge. Wellfleet Fire looks forward to more opportunities to work with your team of instructors.

03/15/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 14, 2026
Contact: Deputy Chief Shawn Clark
Phone: (508) 349-3754

Multi-Agency Response to Distressed Kayaker in Wellfleet

WELLFLEET, MA — On March 14, 2026, at 6:05 PM, Wellfleet emergency services were notified of a kayaker in distress after a blue kayak overturned, with the individual reported to be wearing a green life jacket and drifting in the current.

A coordinated search effort was immediately launched involving multiple agencies. The Wellfleet Harbormaster deployed two boats staffed with Harbormaster and Wellfleet Fire Department personnel, and the Eastham Harbormaster also responded with a boat to assist with the search on the water. Wellfleet Police officers conducted shoreline searches, assisted by the Wellfleet Shellfish Warden.

Additional aerial search resources were provided by Eastham Police and Truro Fire Department using drones. The United States Coast Guard also responded and deployed a helicopter to assist in searching the surrounding waters.

At 8:02 PM, the kayaker was located in the water by one of the Harbormaster’s boats and brought to shore. Eastham Fire Department provided ambulance transport to Cape Cod Hospital.

The 22-year-old male was transported in critical condition and was later pronounced deceased at Cape Cod Hospital. The individual’s identity is being withheld pending notification of family members.

The Wellfleet Fire Department would like to thank all assisting agencies for their coordinated efforts during this search and rescue operation.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

03/11/2026

The Wellfleet Fire Department would like to thank the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and District 1 Forest Fire Warden Josh Nigro for their hard work and commitment to the community while clearing storm debris from the bike paths and reopening them for public use.

02/27/2026

Good Afternoon Wellfleet,

This is your Police Chief, Kevin LaRocco, and your Fire Chief, Joe Cappello. This will be the final emergency storm update for the Blizzard of ’26 incident.

As of this time, according to Eversource Energy, power restoration in Wellfleet has reached 80%. We are hopeful that this percentage will be closer to 100% by the end of the day. Currently, Wellfleet has the highest number of outages in the county, with outages scattered throughout town.

Eversource has mobilized numerous additional resources and is directing them specifically to Wellfleet to address these remaining issues.
Residents who are still without power are strongly encouraged to report their outages to Eversource — even if you have previously reported the outage. You may do so by calling 1-800-592-2000 or by visiting the Eversource website at: https://www.eversource.com/cg/customer/reportoutage

Please be advised that the cleanup process from this storm will be ongoing and long-term. This includes brush and tree removal, as well as continued snow removal efforts.

As leaders of your public safety team, we would like to offer our sincere thanks to the residents who have shown patience, resilience, and unwavering understanding throughout this incident. Your cooperation has made a meaningful difference during a challenging time for our community.

We would also like to recognize the Department of Public Works, especially Peter Morris, who has been available at all hours of the day and night to ensure that when DPW resources were needed, heavy equipment and personnel were ready to respond.

Please call the Wellfleet Police Department with any continuing needs.

Thank you again, Wellfleet. Please continue to stay safe and look out for one another.