Holden Fire Department

06/23/2026

Even small fireworks can cause serious injuries. In 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 1,700 emergency room-treated injuries involving sparklers alone.

Fireworks can cause burns, fires, property damage, and unnecessary emergency responses.

In Massachusetts, private fireworks use is illegal. Please celebrate safely and leave fireworks to the professionals.

06/19/2026

Holden firefighters train in between calls to stay ready for the community.

On-duty training allows our members to practice critical skills, review equipment, and prepare for the wide range of emergencies they may be called to handle. Each drill, from hose operations and hydrant work to SCBA practice and hands-on scenarios, enhances safety, teamwork, and response readiness.

This daily commitment to preparation helps ensure our firefighters are ready when Holden needs them.

06/18/2026

Protect Your Brain. Wear Your Helmet.

As summer gets underway and more people are out riding bikes and e-bikes, the Holden Fire Department wants to remind everyone that helmets save lives.
According to the CDC, hundreds of thousands of bicycle-related injuries are treated in emergency departments each year, with traumatic brain injuries being among the most serious. Studies show that wearing a properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injury by up to 60%.

Before every ride:
✅ Wear a properly fitted helmet
✅ Buckle it correctly
✅ Replace it after any crash

A concussion can happen in seconds, but the effects can last a lifetime.

You can replace a helmet. You cannot replace your brain.

Safe Batteries. Safe Riders. Safe Holden.

06/16/2026

Fireworks are illegal for private use in Massachusetts, including fireworks purchased legally in another state.

Nationally, fireworks caused an estimated 14,700 injuries in 2024, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Hands, fingers, head, face, and ears were among the most commonly injured areas.

Please help keep Holden safe. Leave fireworks to licensed professionals and attend permitted public displays only.

06/12/2026

Today, members of the Holden Fire Department were joined by students from Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, who, along with their instructor, have been busy designing, building, and installing new portable fire pump storage-baskets for our forestry trucks.

This collaboration provided a great educational experience for the students while also serving as a valuable resource for the department. Through this local partnership, we were able to replace aging equipment at a reduced cost while supporting hands-on learning.

We appreciate the students’ efforts in helping keep Holden firefighters response-ready.

A special thank you to our very own FF Zachary Algarin (not pictured), Monty Tech Class of 2011, who was instrumental in coordinating this effort.

06/11/2026

Summer Is Here – Let's Ride Safe, Holden!

As school lets out and the weather gets warmer, more children, teens, and adults will be enjoying bicycles and e-bikes throughout our community. The Holden Fire Department would like to remind everyone that a safe summer starts with safe riding habits.

Whether you're riding around the neighborhood, heading to the park, or commuting on an e-bike, taking a few simple precautions can help prevent serious injuries.

Before Every Ride:

✅ Wear a properly fitted helmet
✅ Follow traffic laws and signs
✅ Stay alert and avoid distractions
✅ Ride where you can be seen
✅ Check your brakes, tires, and battery before riding

Throughout the month, we'll be sharing important bike and e-bike safety information, including helmet safety, battery charging safety, and tips for preventing crashes.

Join us as we promote:

Safe Batteries. Safe Riders. Safe Holden.

Let's work together to make this a safe and enjoyable summer for everyone on our roads, sidewalks, and trails.

06/05/2026

As we head into the summer season, just a reminder that the use and possession of fireworks is illegal in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

- Fireworks started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023, including 3,760 structure fires, 849 vehicle fires, 27,252 outside fires, and 441 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated 15 civilian deaths, 58 civilian injuries and $142 million in direct property damage. (Note: Totals may not equal sums because of rounding error.)

- In 2023, U.S hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,700 people for fireworks related injuries; a 1-month special study period between June 16, 2023 and July 16, 2023 found that nearly half of the fireworks-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments were to the extremities (35% hands and fingers, 8% legs, 5% arms) and 22% were to the head, face, and ears.

- Only 11% of the fireworks fires were structure fires but these incidents accounted for 77% of the civilian deaths, 83% of the civilian injuries, and 88% of the direct property damage.

- Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 32% of the estimated 2023 injuries.

Fireworks: NFPA. nfpa.org. (n.d.). https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/fireworks

06/03/2026

🔥 Is Your Family Ready for Common Summer Hazards? 🔥 Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but it also brings an increase in severe weather, heat emergencies, power outages, and other seasonal hazards. Preparation is the best way to keep your loved ones safe.

🏡 Take a few minutes this week to create a Family Emergency Plan. Having a plan means every member of your household knows what to do, where to go, and how to stay connected in the event of an emergency.

✔️ Identify meeting places
✔️ Plan for pets
✔️ Develop an Emergency Contact List
✔️ Gather emergency supplies
✔️ Review and practice your plan regularly
Start building your plan here: 👉 www.mass.gov/info-details/make-a-family-emergency-plan
Stay prepared and enjoy a safe summer ahead! ☀️🚒

06/03/2026

May call statistics are now available! In addition to emergency responses and inspectional services, your Holden firefighters provided four (4) CPR/First Aid classes given to our town departments, two (2) Fall Prevention Presentations, three (3) car seat installations/checks, and two (2) Fire Safety Education sessions.

06/01/2026

FYI

🚁 Public Notice 🚁

Residents may notice a low-flying helicopter in the area today. National Grid will be conducting aerial inspections and surveys of its transmission lines throughout Holden.

These inspections are a routine part of maintaining the reliability and safety of the electric transmission system. The helicopter may fly or hover at relatively low altitudes while crews assess transmission line conditions and vegetation clearance.

There is no cause for concern if you see or hear the helicopter operating near transmission corridors today.

Thank you for your understanding.