2013 Open Burning Season

Open burning season will begin on January 15th, and end at 4:00 PM on May 1st. Open Burning permits are required. These dates are set by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with the objective of minimizing air quality impacts, and are enforced locally by the town Forest Wardens, Fire Chiefs, and your Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) District Fire Wardens.

Permits are available at the Harwich Fire Department Headquarters Station at 175 Sisson Road from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. Permits are $10.00 payable with cash or check.

Click here for more information on Conducting A Safe Open Burn

Winter Storms & Extreme Cold

While the danger from winter weather varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.

For more information on suggested Emergency Supplies Kits, Communication Plans and general preparedness guidelines - follow this link to FEMA's website

LOCK BOX Requirements

The Town of Harwich requires any home or business owner to install a lockbox on any property that has an alarm system that is monitored remotely. This includes medical alert buttons and fire alrm systems. These lockboxes are a safe and secure way to provide the Fire Department a key to the property in case of alarm activation. These lockboxes are opened by a special key that ONLY the fire department carries. These lockboxes are different than the ones distributed by the Harwich Water Department. Contact the HFD for more information at (508) 430-7546. Click here to download the NEW 2013 Lock Box Form

2012 Harwich Fire Department Awards

Firefighter Bucky Mabile was promoted to Captain Fire Inspector and Firefighter Eric Elliott was appointed as a new hire. Firefighters Eric Diamond and Jason Boyne were recognized for their work with the Massachusetts Task Force 1 in New York for Hurricane Sandy.

Lieutenant Timothy Jaques, Firefighters Brad Willis, Scott Tyldesley, Bruce Young and Ryan Edwards were commended for life saving procedures performed on June 8, 2012 to a patient in East Harwich in cardiac arrest. Captain John Clarke was recognized for his heroism while off duty when he jumped into action and saved the life of a woman who was choking by using the Heimlich maneuver. Captain Joseph Mayo was awarded the Lt. Thomas Manley Award by the Barnstable County Chiefs Association for his strong commitment and dedication at the Barnstable County Fire and Rescue Training Academy.