Cambridge MA Fire Department

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Cambridge MA Fire Department

Welcome to the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts Fire Department - a Class 1 all hazards/all service Fire Department. This page is not monitored 24/7. Mahoney.

The Cambridge Fire Department was established by an act of the state legislature on March 17, 1832 with a suppression force of 6 engines and 1 ladder truck. Today the Department is a professional organization which provides fire protection, emergency medical service, heavy rescue service, and protection to the environment. The Cambridge Fire Department is staffed by 274 sworn members and 8 civilia

n members under command of Chief Engineer Gerard E. The Department is a member of Boston Metrofire, the Boston area mutual aid network. Thirty-four cities and towns, including Massport, participate in Metrofire. The Department consists of 2 Fire Suppression Divisions and 4 Staff Divisions. Suppression companies operate from 8 fire houses strategically located throughout the city. The Fire Investigation Unit investigates undetermined, suspicious, and incendiary fires. The sworn members of the department maintain membership in Local 30, International Association of Firefighters, Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, AFL/CIO/CLC. Local 30 is the oldest local in the Commonwealth. Headquarters: 491 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

•Chief Engineer: Gerard E. Mahoney
• Assistant Chief: Thomas Cahill
• Assistant Chief: John J. Cotter
•Administration: 12
•EPAC: 3
•Fire Prevention: 6
•Technical Management: 5
•Training: 3
•Fire Suppression: 255

09/04/2026

Effective September 1, 2026, at 0700 hours, Firefighter Gary Plunkett retired from the Cambridge Fire Department.

Firefighter Plunkett faithfully served the citizens of Cambridge. We thank him for his dedicated service and wish him much happiness and good health in his retirement.

08/27/2026

Congratulations on Your Retirement, Firefighter Michael Davis

Effective August 27, 2026, at 0700 hours, Firefighter Michael Davis retired from the Cambridge Fire Department after more than 33 years of dedicated service.

Firefighter Davis was appointed to the Cambridge Fire Department on July 27, 1993, and was assigned to Engine Company 4 on September 12, 1993. Throughout his career, he treated people with kindness and was a proud member of the Porter Square Fire Station.

For more than three decades, Firefighter Davis faithfully served the citizens of Cambridge with dedication and professionalism.

The Cambridge Fire Department Thanks Firefighter Davis for his many years of service and commitment to our community. We wish Michael and his family much happiness, good health, and enjoyment in his well-earned retirement.

08/17/2026

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A FIREFIGHTER

The application period for the 2026 Municipal Firefighter Examination is now open!

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the fire service, now is the time to apply.

Important Dates:

Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
Notices to Appear for Written Test: September 18, 2026
Written Examination Period: October 2–10, 2026*

Don’t miss the deadline!

Learn more about the examination, eligibility requirements, and application process through the Massachusetts Civil Service website:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/2026-municipal-firefighter-examination

Take the first step toward a career in the fire service.

08/14/2026

Second-Alarm Fire – Robert Road

On August 13, 2026, Cambridge Emergency Communications received reports of a building fire on Robert Road.

Upon arrival, Cambridge Fire Department companies encountered fire showing from the third floor of a three-family residence. Under the command of Acting Deputy Chief Joseph Fournier, a second alarm was transmitted. Cambridge firefighters worked aggressively to contain the fire and brought the incident under control in just over an hour.

Nine occupants and two dogs were displaced as a result of the fire and were assisted by the Cambridge Fire Department Office of Emergency Preparedness and the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Cambridge Fire Investigation Unit.

Large-scale incidents such as this require significant coordination, teamwork, and support from multiple agencies. We are grateful for the strong partnerships that assisted in safely mitigating this incident, including:

Emergency Communications Police Department Ambulance Inspectional Services Red Cross Fire Department Fire Department Fire Department Fire Department Sparks Association

08/13/2026

Congratulations to Our Newly Promoted Lieutenants

The Cambridge Fire Department is proud to announce the promotion of four members to the rank of Lieutenant, effective August 9, 2026:

• Lieutenant Stephen M. Ryan Jr.
• Lieutenant Douglas A. Boudrow
• Lieutenant Joseph M. Moore
• Lieutenant Cal Collar

Please join us in congratulating Lieutenants Ryan, Boudrow, Moore, and Collar on this well-earned achievement. We wish them continued success as they take on their new leadership roles within the Cambridge Fire Department.
Congratulations and stay safe!

07/24/2026

During the month of July, members of the Cambridge Fire Department presented the Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) Program to an estimated 271 children at multiple school locations throughout the City of Cambridge.

The mission of the S.A.F.E. Program is to teach children the skills they need to prevent fires, survive fires that do occur, and respond appropriately during emergencies. Through engaging, age-appropriate lessons, our firefighters help build lifelong safety habits that can save lives.

A special thank you to Captain Ramos for coordinating this important program, and to the firefighters who dedicated their time to educating Cambridge's youth:

• Temporary Lieutenant Cameron Monagle
• Firefighter John Dillon
• Firefighter Sean Dillon
• Firefighter John Pasquarello
• Firefighter Mary Catherine Dunne

07/17/2026

Effective July 17, 2026, at 0700 hours, Firefighter John R. DeCourcey retired from the Cambridge Fire Department.

Firefighter DeCourcey was appointed to the Department on January 21, 2007, was assigned to multiple Fire Stations and faithfully served the citizens of Cambridge with dedication, professionalism, and commitment throughout his career.

On behalf of the members of the Cambridge Fire Department, we extend our sincere appreciation for his years of service and wish John and his family many years of happiness, good health, and fulfillment in his well-earned retirement

07/13/2026

⚠️ Heat Advisory & Heat Emergency Notice ⚠️

Based on forecasts from the National Weather Service, the City of Cambridge is declaring a Heat Advisory beginning Monday, July 13. Current forecasts indicate a Heat Emergency is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday as dangerously high temperatures and humidity move into the area.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, stay hydrated and, whenever possible, spend time in air-conditioned places such as community spaces, public libraries, malls and movie theaters.

Please take steps now to protect yourself and others:
💧 Drink plenty of water—even if you don't feel thirsty.
❄️ Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
☀️ Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
👵 Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone who may be vulnerable to extreme heat.
🚗 Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly. If you or someone else experiences confusion, loss of consciousness, or stop’s sweating despite the heat, call 911 immediately.

For cooling center information and additional heat safety resources, visit the City of Cambridge's heat safety page. Visit cambridgema.gov/heat

Stay safe, stay cool, and look out for one another.

06/29/2026

:
On 29 June 1963, 3 alarms were ordered, Box 3-1991, for the fire in Sacred Heart Church, 45 6th St in East Cambridge. Built in 1860, only through the valiant efforts of firefighters in this very congested neighborhood, the church was saved & is still in use today.
Engine 3 from the old fire house on 3rd St & Ladder 2 from the old fire house on Portland St (now Cardinal Medeiros Av) were first-due to the fire. Later in the fire, callback members of Ladder 2 brought spare Ladder 5 (from the Portland St fire house) to the fire and operated with Ladder 5 as an additional truck.

IC: DFC Sullivan
Time of the box: 1922 hours
2nd alarm: 1949
Spare Ladder 5 to the fire (from Ladder 2's house): 2004 hours
3rd alarm: 2006

FAO: Lawson and Gardner

06/25/2026

EMS training review:
In addition to other ongoing training, the EMS Division has been running a class on Adult Respiratory Case Simulations, maintaining the EMS skills level of our firefighters.
All companies, all groups will rotate through this program.
Photos are from June 25, group 3 on duty.

Address

491 Broadway
Cambridge, MA
02138

Telephone

+16173494900

Website

http://www.cambridgema.gov/cfd/aboutus

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