Somerville Fire Department

09/03/2026

The Somerville Fire Department responded to a fire at 2 Highland Ave., location of the Highland Cuisine restaurant, on Thursday, September 3 at 8:05 a.m. The fire originated in the kitchen and spread above the ceiling. Firefighters were able to quickly gain access to and extinguish the flames spreading above the ceiling.

The restaurant sustained significant fire, water, and smoke damage. One employee was treated at the scene for an injury and transported to a hospital by Cataldo Ambulance.

09/02/2026

Deputy Chief William Hallinan was recently recognized for 40 years of service with the Somerville Fire Department. Assistant Chief Sean Tierney presented him with a certificate and uniform pin in recognition. Congratulations, Deputy Chief Hallinan!

08/27/2026

The Somerville Fire Department offers its condolences to the family and friends of retired Lieutenant Daniel Koen, who passed away on August 23. Lt. Koen was appointed on September 30, 1969 and retired on January 19, 2001.

08/17/2026

The Somerville Fire Department is beginning its annual inspection and testing of all fire hydrants citywide today, Monday, August 17, concluding on or around Saturday, August 29.

This important annual maintenance program helps keep the community safe by helping to ensure hydrants will work properly when needed to put out a fire. As part of the process, firefighters will look for any physical damage to each hydrant, remove the caps from each outlet and lubricate the threading, and open and briefly flow the hydrant. These steps allow firefighters to check the mechanical operation of each hydrant, as well as evaluate the water flow and pressure to make sure it will be adequate when needed in the event of a fire.

You may notice a temporary, slight drop in water pressure or discolored water during testing. While the water may appear discolored, it will not cause health problems and is safe to drink. Though safe to drink, the discolored water can stain clothing and fabric, so avoid laundry until the water runs clear.

Learn more at: somervillema.gov/hydrantflushing

08/05/2026

On high-heat days, remember to stay hydrated, practice sun safety, avoid strenuous activity during midday when temperatures are highest, and never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

A Heat Advisory is currently in place for Somerville for Thursday and Friday, August 6 and 7, with feels-like temperatures up to 100 degrees.

If you must be outside during high heat, practice sun safety by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Baseball caps provide some shade, however a hat that has a wide brim all around helps shade your face, ears, and neck. To help stay cool, you can also wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Even if you follow the above sun safety precautions, it’s still a good idea to limit time spent in the direct sun.

For more heat safety tips and ways to keep cool in and around Somerville this summer, visit: somervillema.gov/keepcool

08/05/2026

The Somerville Fire Department offers its condolences to the family and friends of retired Lieutenant Alexander Gounaris, who passed away on August 3. Lt. Gounaris was appointed on December 9, 1963 and retired on March 4, 1984.

07/27/2026

Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones and laptops to scooters and electric vehicles. They have a high energy density, packing a lot of power into a small device.

Always read and follow manufacturer instructions for storage, use, and charging of devices with lithium-ion batteries. Misused or defective batteries can cause serious fires.

Before Buying
▪ Purchase only devices that are listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Look for the lab's mark on the packaging and device.

Safe Storage
▪ Keep batteries away from combustible items. Store lithium-ion batteries and devices at room temperature whenever possible. Don't leave them in a hot car, direct sunlight, or freezing temperatures.
▪ Store scooters and e-bikes outdoors if possible. If you must store them indoors, keep them away from escape routes including doors, windows, and stairways.

Safe Charging and Use
▪ Use the manufacturer’s battery, cord, and power adapter made specifically for the device.
▪ Plug chargers directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension cord.
▪ Charge devices on a hard, stable surface -- never on a bed, couch, or pillow.
▪ Don't leave devices unattended while charging and don't overcharge devices.
▪ Stop using a battery if it's damaged, or if you notice an unusual odor, change in color or shape, leaking, or odd noises.

For more information and to see a lithium-ion battery safety flyer, visit ow.ly/kpci50QHjRg

07/17/2026

The Somerville Fire Department had the privilege of assisting with the Sail Boston Tall Ships event held July 11-16. Somerville Fire's Marine 1 was assigned to the East Boston side of Boston Harbor assisting multiple other marine assets with this popular event.

Pictured left to right are Firefighter John Tivinis, Captain Justin Bonner, and Firefighter Alex Massiah on Somerville Fire Marine 1 on duty in Boston Harbor on July 11.

07/15/2026

Somerville Fire Captains Eric Saulnier and Tim Bakey presented on Senior Fire Safety at the Council On Aging's Holland Street Center on July 10. The presentation included information on cooking, smoking, and electrical safety. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan also shared information on scams and home security.

07/14/2026

UPDATE: This Heat Advisory has been canceled by the National Weather Service. However, please continue to take precautions if spending time outdoors as temperatures are expected to remain in the 90s over the coming days.

UPDATE: This Heat Advisory has been canceled by the National Weather Service. However, please continue to take precautions if spending time outdoors as temperatures are expected to remain in the 90s over the coming days.

A Heat Advisory is currently in place for Somerville for Tuesday and Wednesday, July 14-15 with feels-like temperatures around 100 degrees.

If you plan to be outside on high-heat days, it’s a good idea to wear clothing and accessories that can help you keep cool.

In general, light-colored clothing like pastels, white, or khaki is better than black, navy, or dark green. Dark colors are more likely to absorb heat.

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing helps air flow over your skin. Also, loose-fitting and breathable long-sleeved shirts aren’t necessarily a bad choice in hot weather because they can help protect your skin from sunburn.

Baseball caps provide some shade, however a hat that has a wide brim all around helps shade your face, ears, and neck.

For more heat safety tips and ways to keep cool in and around Somerville this summer, visit: somervillema.gov/keepcool