WFD Extinguishes Trash Barrel Fire Outside Westin Hotel - 70 Third Ave

Thursday - March 8, 2012

The Waltham Fire Department responded to the Westin Hotel at 70 Third Avenue at 11:45 p.m. Thursday night for a phoned-in, guest report of a trash barrel fire outside and up against the building.  Engine 2, Rescue 6, Ladder 1 and C-2 all responded to the initial alarm.

On arrival, Engine 2 confirmed a fully involved trash barrel fire up against the building.  Engine 7 was added to the response to secure a water supply and fill the box assignment.  Engine 2's crew extinguished the fire while Ladder 1 and Rescue 6 performed overhaul operations to check for extension to the building, including use of the thermal imaging camera to check for hot spots.

Crews removed decorative sheet metal around a concrete column where bird nest material in between was smoldering.  Heat from the flames also broke an exterior glass panel.  In all, the fire caused an estimated $5,000 worth of damage.