Oak Bluffs Fire-EMS Department

06/11/2026

06/09/2026

What could have been a devastating fire was quickly quelled by Oak Bluffs first responders early Friday morning. Oak Bluffs Police officers discovered a fire under the front porch of 43 Circuit Ave., a three-story, multi-family home, at around 3 am. Oak Bluffs Police Chief Jonathan Searle said two....

06/01/2026

This Wildfire Awareness Month, take steps to prevent fires! During critical fire weather, don't burn yard waste & debris or do any activity that may cause sparks. Strengthen your home against wildfires with tips from ready.gov/wildfires

05/22/2026

🚑💙 Happy National EMS Week! 💙🚑

This week, the Oak Bluffs Fire-EMS Department proudly recognizes and celebrates the dedicated EMTs and Paramedics who serve our community with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment every single day.

Whether responding to emergencies at all hours, providing lifesaving care, comforting patients and families, or simply being there when someone needs help most — our EMS personnel consistently answer the call with skill, heart, and dedication. We are incredibly thankful for everything our EMTs and Paramedics do for the residents and visitors of Oak Bluffs.

As a small token of appreciation during EMS Week, each of our EMS personnel was presented with a personalized gift from Fire Chief Stephen Foster and EMS Coordinator Luke Cote, along with a handwritten note recognizing their service, compassion, and dedication to our Department and community.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Oak Bluffs Ambulance Association for their continued support of our EMS personnel during EMS Week, including the wonderful Card My Yard Martha's Vineyard display in front of the station, as well as providing Back Door Donuts 🍩 and Giordano's Restaurant & Clam Bar Inc. 🍕 for our crews to enjoy.

Thank you to our EMTs and Paramedics for your service, sacrifice, and commitment to caring for others. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for all that you do — this week and every week.

Happy National EMS Week! 🚑💙

05/22/2026

🔥🌲 Join Us for May’s “Ready Together: Community Preparedness” Presentation! 🌲🔥

May is National Wildfire Awareness Month, and here in West Tisbury, wildfire preparedness matters. With our rural landscape and the nearby Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, understanding wildfire risk and how to protect your home, family, and community is more important than ever.

Join West Tisbury Emergency Management for “Wildfire Ready: Protecting Your Home, Family & Community” — an informative and practical presentation focused on wildfire awareness, prevention, and preparedness.

📅 Saturday, May 23, 2026
🕞 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 West Tisbury Free Public Library

Topics will include:
✅ Reducing wildfire risk around your home
✅ Defensible space & vegetation management
✅ Outdoor burning & fire safety tips
✅ Emergency alerts & evacuation planning
✅ Go-bags & emergency preparedness
✅ What to do during a wildfire emergency

This session includes practical preparedness tips, local relevance, take-home resources, and interactive discussion to help residents stay safe and ready before wildfire season.

Free & open to the public! Let’s continue getting for a safer, more resilient West Tisbury. 🌿🚒

05/13/2026

The Oak Bluffs Fire-EMS Department recognizes and congratulates Captain John O’Donnell on his retirement following 22 years of faithful service to the Town of Oak Bluffs and Martha’s Vineyard community.

Captain O’Donnell began his service as a Junior Firefighter, following in the footsteps of his father, Bruce O'Donnell, who served the Department as Assistant Fire Chief. Over the course of John’s career, he rose through the ranks and served as Captain of both Rescue Company #1 (561) and Engine Company #2 (522). He also served the Town of Oak Bluffs, MA as an Emergency Medical Technician for 19 years, in addition to his roles as a member of the department’s Honor Guard and Dive Support.

Throughout his tenure, Captain O’Donnell demonstrated steady dedication, leadership, and mentorship. Please join us in thanking Captain O’Donnell for his years of service and wishing him all the best in his retirement.

05/13/2026

05/05/2026

🌪️ National Hurricane Preparedness Week is Here! 🌪️

We encourage all residents and visitors of Martha’s Vineyard to take time this week to prepare for hurricane season.

🌀 Hurricane season begins June 1st — and preparation now can make all the difference later.

Take action today:

✅ Build or refresh your emergency kit
Include water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.

✅ Make a plan
Know your evacuation routes, shelter options, and how you’ll communicate with family.

✅ Stay informed
Sign up for local alerts through CivicReady and monitor trusted sources like US National Weather Service Boston MA and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

✅ Prepare your home
Secure outdoor items, clear gutters, and understand your flood risk—especially in coastal areas.

✅ Don’t forget pets and neighbors
Plan for animals and check in on those who may need extra assistance.

🌊 Hurricanes and tropical storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and power outages to our island community. Being prepared helps keep you, your family, and our community safe.

📲 Learn more from FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency Ready at www.Ready.gov

05/04/2026

The best time to prepare for hurricanes is BEFORE hurricane season begins. Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it’s too late. Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. noaa.gov/prepare-before-hurricane-season