If you have a question that is not listed here, please e-mail the Fire Chief.
There is a minimum of four firefighter/emergency medical technicians (paramedic, intermediate and basic levels) on duty at all times. However, during emergency call, the station may be empty for various amounts of times. Out of the four firefighter/EMTs on duty, at least one is a paramedic. In addition, the Fire Prevention/Public Education officer works four-10 hour days. The FP/PE Officer often covers for other members on time off.
Are the crew members assigned to specific vehicles?
No. The on duty personnel respond to any kind of emergency and are required to have intimate knowledge all equipment: three engines, aerial ladder, rescue truck, brush fire truck, two ambulances, hovercraft, support vehicle.
Why does Southborough have so many vehicles?
ISO (Insurance Services Office, the company that rates all municipalities for fire insurance costs) has standards for response to fires. In addition, local conditions dictate requirements. A minimum of two engines are required for all building fires; often three are required to pump water over long distances, or where water pressure is weak, and to handle two or more calls that come into us at once. The aerial ladder is required for chimney fires, ventilation of building fires, as well as for rescue. The department has two ambulances to respond to simultaneous medical emergencies, as well as vehicle accidents with multiple injuries.
Two engines with two people each respond to all reported building fires, fire alarms, investigations, etc. Off-duty and On-call personnel staff additional vehicles. Unfortunately, only one of the 19 full-time firefighter/EMTs live in town. On-call personnel work their own full-time jobs in other careers. This often results in significant delays is staffing the other apparatus. If a significant delay is encountered, neighboring fire departments are called under mutual aid agreements.
What are the business office hours?
Susan Chorey, the Department's Coordinator, is scheduled to work 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Monday through Friday. In addition to general office work, Susan schedules smoke detector, oil burner, propane, annual license and all other inspections, as well as Firefighter's Memorial Hall use. The best time to call to schedule an appointment is 8:00 AM to 1:45 PM Monday through Friday.
Captain Joseph Mauro, Fire Prevention/Public Education Officer, is scheduled to work Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. He is responsible for responding to emergencies as well as conducting inspections, plan reviews, public education programs, etc. and may not be in the station at all times. It is best to call to schedule an appointment with Captain Mauro for plan reviews, inspections, etc. at (508) 485-3235 extension 403.
Chief John Mauro works a minimum of 40 hours a week. Chief Mauro's in-office hours vary due to emergency responses, numerous meetings, inspections, and other requirements. It is best to call to schedule an appointment at (508) 485-3235 extension 401, or e-mail the chief at firechief@southboroughma.com
Do I need to schedule a tour of the fire station?
If you wish to tour the fire station with a group, you need to schedule an appointment to avoid a conflict with other programs. Call (508) 485-3235 between 8:00 AM & 2:00 PM and schedule an appointment with Sue. You can also fill out a request for a tour form and return it to 21 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772, or e-mail it to firechief@southboroughma.com.
Can I have my child's birthday party at the fire station?
Absolutely. However, due to the tremendous popularity, the child and his/her family celebrating the birthday must be Southborough residents. Also, we must limit birthday parties to one per day.
Tours generally last between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the children’s age group.
Firefighter’s Memorial Hall, located within the fire station, can be used for cake and birthday celebrations on the day of the tour, if available. You must provide the cake, decorations, utensils, plates, cups, etc. Clean up afterwards is your responsibility.
Please keep in mind that the fire station is an emergency operation and contains large equipment, which can be dangerous to children. We may be required to respond to emergency calls during the tour, which may result in you and your party being left alone. As such, we kindly ask that you provide adequate adult supervision to ensure the safety of all those attending the party. We must limit the total party to 25 children and adults.
You must prearrange the tours and parties by calling (508) 485-3235, or fill out this form and return it to 21 Main St, Southborough, MA 01772, or e-mail it to firechief@southboroughma.com.
Can a fire truck come to my house for my child's party?
Unfortunately, we can not bring a fire truck or ambulance to a residence for a party.
No, Massachusetts General Laws do not permit leaves to be burned any time of year. You can burn brush however, with a permit issued by the Fire Department, between January 15th and April 30, weather permitting. Click here for more information.
What is the Hovercraft used for?
The Hovercraft is a versatile vessel used for water and ice rescues. Approximately 1/4 of Southborough is water. When the Sudbury Reservoir was created over 100 years ago, the topsoil was removed and the land around Stony Brook was flooded. There are countless obstruction just below water level (rocks, ledge, etc.) that ruin propeller-driven boats that traverse the reservoir. The Hovercraft floats on a cushion of air over the water enabling it to access areas that regular boats cannot. Additionally, the Hovercraft is used on ice to rescue people that fall through the ice.
Chief Mauro, working with State Representative Paul P.J. Loscocco (R-Holliston) acquired the hovercraft for free through a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Why don't I hear the fire whistles blow any more for fires?
The fire whistles located at each of the fire stations were used to alert the off-duty and on-call firefighters before the advent of the radio paging system in the 1980's. They continued to be used as a back up to the radio paging system (as required by ISO) until recently, when concerns from citizens living in the area of the fire stations, coupled with the limited number of off-duty and on-call firefighters living in close proximity to the stations caused the Chief to silence the whistles.
Why are the fire trucks numbered in the 20's?
In the late 1950's, when radio licenses for fire and police operations were issued, many communities were assigned shared radio channels. Southborough, Marlborough and Hudson Fire Departments all were assigned to 46.420 MHz. To avoid the confusion of three Engine 1's, three Engine 2's, etc., the three communities got together and assigned banks of numbers: Marlborough was assigned 1-9, Hudson 10-19 and Southborough 20-29. To this day, the tradition of Southborough using the 20 series continues.
Will I get a bill if my house catches on fire?
The fire department does not bill to response to fires, unless there is a release of hazardous materials, and the department must mitigate the release. Billing is conducted in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 21E.
The Fire Department bills for ambulance transportation to the hospital in accordance with set rates based upon Medicare.