Oak Bluffs Fire-EMS Department

09/11/2026

🇺🇸 September 11, 2001 — 25 Years Later. We Remember.

Today, Martha’s Vineyard’s public safety community came together at the Oak Bluffs Fire-EMS Department for an islandwide ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Firefighters, EMS professionals, law enforcement officers, Emergency Management Directors, local officials, and community members from across the Island stood together to remember the 2,977 lives lost, honor the first responders who answered the call that morning, and recognize all those whose lives were forever changed by the events of September 11. 🚒🚑🚓

Twenty-five years later, we remain united in remembrance and in our shared commitment to serving our communities.

Thank you to everyone from across Martha’s Vineyard who joined us today and helped make this regional commemoration possible. It was especially meaningful to see our Island’s Fire, EMS, Police, Emergency Management, and community partners gathered together as one public safety community.

We will never forget. 🇺🇸

📸 Photos courtesy of Jeanna Shepard (The Vineyard Gazette) and Jennelle Gadowski

09/11/2026

08/21/2026

🎆 2026 OAK BLUFFS FIREWORKS CANCELLED 🎆

Due to rough seas, unfavorable weather conditions, and concerns regarding the safe loading and operation of the fireworks barge, it was determined that the display could not be conducted safely.

The decision was made in consultation with the fireworks contractor and public safety personnel. We know how much the annual fireworks mean to our community and the many residents and visitors who look forward to this Town of Oak Bluffs, MA tradition each summer. While the cancellation is disappointing, the safety of the fireworks crew, first responders, residents, and visitors must always come first.

⚠️ There will be no fireworks display tonight or Saturday.

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support, and we look forward to celebrating together again in 2027! 🎆

Please help us spread the word by sharing this announcement.

08/21/2026

🏮✨ Grand Illumination 2026! ✨🏮

Another beautiful Grand Illumination is in the books! This week members of the Oak Bluffs Fire-EMS Department and Oak Bluffs Police Department were on hand at the MVCMA - Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association for one of Oak Bluffs’ most cherished summer traditions. With thousands of residents and visitors gathering among the illuminated cottages, our crews were stationed throughout the Campground to provide Fire, EMS, and Police coverage and ensure quick access to emergency services throughout the evening. 🚒🚑🚓

Events like Grand Illumination take a tremendous amount of coordination and teamwork. We’d like to thank the MVCMA, Oak Bluffs Police Department, Dukes County Sheriff's Office, Town departments, event organizers, and all of our public safety partners who worked together to help make the evening safe and enjoyable for everyone.

We also loved getting to meet some of our younger visitors and give a few future firefighters a closer look at the fire apparatus! 🚒❤️

Most importantly, thank you to our members who spent their evening working the event and remaining ready to respond while our community enjoyed this special tradition.

Thank you to everyone who came out, said hello, followed the event safety measures, and helped make Grand Illumination 2026 another memorable night in Oak Bluffs. 🏮

📸EMT/Firefighter Kylie Souza and EMT/Firefighter Jennelle Gadowski

08/20/2026

📢 FRIDAY UPDATE: The Oak Bluffs Fireworks have been canceled tonight and will not be held this weekend. 🎆 😢 All trips will now run to and from Oak Bluffs on a trip-by-trip basis, although diversions are likely due to rough seas and unfavorable weather conditions.
ℹ Please continue to check the website if you are traveling this evening.

08/19/2026

🎆 A BIG WEEK IN OAK BLUFFS! 🏮

Two of our community’s favorite annual traditions are happening this week! The Town of Oak Bluffs, MA is looking forward to another busy and exciting Grand Illumination and Fireworks week.

🏮 GRAND ILLUMINATION NIGHT
📅 Wednesday, August 19, 2026
📍 MVCMA - Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association
🚗 Parking at Washington Park begins at 3:30 PM

🎆 OAK BLUFFS FIREWORKS
📅 Friday, August 21, 2026
🌧️ Rain Date: Saturday, August 22
🚗 Parking at Washington Park and Alley-Waban Park begins at 3:30 PM
💵 Parking is $20 CASH ONLY and benefits the Oak Bluffs Parks and Oak Bluffs Fireworks Donation Accounts.

🚌 Fireworks transportation: Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) buses will operate at Tuckernuck Ave. & Seaview Ave. and Dukes County Ave. & New York Ave.

🚫 IMPORTANT FIREWORKS PARKING RESTRICTIONS:
Please pay close attention to posted No Parking areas along Seaview Avenue and the waterfront. Restrictions begin as early as 6:00 AM Friday in designated areas, with additional restrictions beginning at 12:00 Noon. Vehicles left in restricted areas may interfere with public safety and event operations.

🚒 A message from Oak Bluffs Fire-EMS Department and Oak Bluffs Police Department:
These events bring a significant increase in pedestrians, vehicles, and visitors throughout town. Please plan ahead, allow extra travel time, follow all posted parking and traffic restrictions, and use extra caution around pedestrians, cyclists, emergency vehicles, and public safety personnel.

Expect traffic delays and detours before, during, and after the fireworks. Please be patient with our Police, Fire-EMS, DPW, Parks, VTA, and other personnel working throughout the events to keep everyone safe.

🎇 We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Grand Illumination and Fireworks week! We’ll see you out there!

08/10/2026

Never charge devices on soft surfaces like beds or couches. They can trap heat and cause fires.