WFD Holds Training Drill with Mass Bay Commuter - Sunday June 10th

Saturday, June 9, 2012

The Waltham Fire Department will be conducting a training exercise with the M.B.T.A. Mass Bay Commuter Rail on Sunday June 10, 2012 from 7:30 am until approximately 12:00 pm (noon).  This drill will take place at the Beaver Street railroad crossing near Waverley Oaks Road.  Beaver Street will be closed from Waverley Oaks Road to Warren Street during the training exercise.  The timing of the drill has been chosen to minimize impact on traffic in the area however residents should take note and adjust travel plans accordingly.

The training exercise will simulate a vehicle accident at the railroad crossing with the vehicles then being struck by a commuter rail train.  Waltham Fire Department companies will respond from quarters to the scene similar to a real emergency.  On arrival, our crews will begin to mitigate the situation.  The drill will include the actual use of rescue equipment like the “jaws-of-life”, the Hazardous Materials Decontamination Unit, evacuating people from the train through windows via ladders and much more.

This drill provides important realistic, hands-on training for our members and involves multiple agencies.  Much planning and hard work has been devoted to ensure a productive and safe drill.  We want citizens to be aware of the upcoming drill and to adjust their travel plans so as to avoid the immediate area the day of the actual drill.

Media representatives interested in covering the event should contact Waltham Fire Department Public Information Officer Lt. Mike Murphy directly or via dispatch.