The Amherst Firefighters would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season. Please take a moment to remember those who protect us both at home and abroad.

When celebrating with family this season, please remember to think safety. Use a designated driver. Use care around candles and fire places. Call for help when you need it.

Best wishes to you and your family in the New Year.

~ Amherst Firefighters, Local 1764

Amherst Fire crews have battled two significant structure fires in the past 48 hours as the town continues to recover from last weekend's storm. In addition to these fires, crews have stayed busy responding to carbon monoxide emergencies, medical emergencies, and other storm-related emergencies. This is in addition to the usual high workload experienced this time of year.

This morning's fire on Longmeadow Drive required all of Amherst's on-duty resources, off-duty resources, and mutual aid assistance from neighboring fire departments. The fire was reported shortly before 9:00 AM.

Late Monday night crews responded to Mt. Pollux Dr. for a structure fire that had apparently begun as a chimney fire. No injuries were reported, but that fire also required assistance from off-duty personnel and surrounding fire departments.

Whether you have power or not, it is important to be vigilant when using alternative heating sources this winter. Below is a list of safety tips the Amherst Fire Fighters recommend for everyone:

• Space heaters should be kept a safe distance from any flammable materials and children.
• Check the batteries in your smoke and CO detectors, especially if you have been without power in the last few days.
• Keep portable generators OUTSIDE and away from open windows and doors.
• NEVER use a propane or gas heater, generator, grill, or other appliance inside of your house. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced as a byproduct of combustion and can be deadly!
• Check on your elderly or physically challenged neighbors to be sure they are faring okay.
• Treat ALL WIRES is if they are charged electrical lines. Stay away and talk to your children about staying away from these dangers.
• If you need help, call for help. If you have a medical or fire emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The Amherst Fire Fighters have continued answering your calls for help throughout this recent disaster and we will continue to serve our community.

We're pleased to introduce a new "widget" to our page honoring fallen fire fighters. The widget, which can be seen below the contacts in the left margin, is owned and maintained by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

The widget continuously scrolls through the Foundation's database of fallen fire fighters. Click on any of their names or pictures and you will be brought to a page dedicated to the fallen hero.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has been working since 1992 to reduce line of duty deaths, support the families and departments of fallen fire fighters, provide scholarships for the children of fallen fire fighters, and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Take a moment to visit their website and learn more about the important role they play in the Fire Service.