Mutual aid tower sent to Keene structure fire

Vera Harris

2026-11-03 06:47 UTC

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At approximately 0425 hours, Keene units were dispatched to 125 Davis Street for a reported apartment fire. While en route, Keene Police advised responding units that fire was showing from a third-floor window on the Delta side, with exposure concerns to the neighboring building. Car 4 arrived and struck the full box assignment, bringing mutual aid resources from three states. While crews operated on scene, members of the Keene Police Department went above and beyond by assisting with establishing a water supply and by alerting additional residents of the apartment building. C-Shift members made quick work of the fire, with only three minutes between the working fire assignment being struck and water being placed on the fire. We are extremely grateful to our brothers and sisters at Keene Police for recognizing what needed to be done and stepping in without hesitation. Their assistance made a difference during the critical first few minutes of the incident and is a great example of the teamwork between our departments. At the same time, this fire highlighted the importance of proper fire department staffing. Police officers assisting firefighters should be an example of great interdepartmental teamwork—not something we have to rely on because there aren't enough firefighters available to complete critical fireground tasks. Proper staffing allows firefighters to handle fireground operations while our police officers remain available to handle the important responsibilities they already have on scene. As our City leaders make hard choices in the prioritization of spending the SAFER grant funding and allocating additional funds to institute the grant, this morning is another important reminder that making sure the positions the city proved they needed are available 24/7/365 and that the minimum staffing reflects that. Adding personnel is a major step forward, but those additional positions only strengthen our emergency response if the positions are consistently filled. On a working fire, three additional firefighters can provide another crew to establish a water supply, conduct a search, stretch a handline, throw ladders, protect exposures, or complete other time-sensitive fireground tasks. A minimum of 15 would help ensure that increased staffing translates directly into increased capabilities on the street when our community needs them most. We have still not seen an increase in minimum staffing since our devastating Elliot St fire that is approaching it’s 1 year anniversary next week. We would like to thank all of our mutual aid partners, especially the members of the Keene Police Department, for their assistance on scene and for helping cover and protect the city while Keene crews operated at the fire. Strong teamwork helped get the job done this morning. Proper staffing helps ensure we have the people we need to get it done every time.