467 Burts Pit NFD Northampton
Rescue
Department
Memorandum
To: Captain Pelis
CC: Assistant Chief Davine, Deputy Chief Millin
From: Captain Murrett
Date: 12/1/2018
Re: 467 Burts Pit Road
We responded to the above location for a medical emergency at 2350 on 11/30/2018. Fire Alarm
advised that the patient would be in a trailer behind the residence and there was a"note"in the
dispatch information that the trailer was"cluttered". On arrival,there was a dirt driveway next to the
residence that went around back to a camping trailer.The 72 year old patient was located inside this
trailer. The porch leading up to the front was a collapse hazard with holes and loose boards and a
plywood plank that you had to walk on so you didn't fall through the porch. Inside the trailer the patient
was on a couch/bed just inside the door. He was on home 02 via a nasal cannula. On the table in front
of the patient was an ashtray with approximately 15-20 extinguished cigarettes. Located on the counter
within 2 ft. of combustible materials was a space heater plugged into an extension cord. On the table
next to the couch was another space heater plugged into 2 extension cords. Directly in front of that
space heater was a fan plugged into another extension cord with the purpose to blow the hot air that
comes out of the space heater.There was no heat to the trailer as the son said the propane was
shutoff.These were the only hazards immediately apparent. I'm sure there would be others on a closer
investigation however crews were treating the patient.The trailer was littered with trash. In my opinion,
these conditions coupled with the patients'weight of at least 400 lbs., and his inability to walk on his
own is a fire and fire death hazard.
Due to the medical emergency and assisting crews extricating the patient I was unable to get
photographs.After talking with the son about the conditions he became defensive and it was obvious I
wouldn't be let back in to get some. He stated he would"clean up",that he was going to turn on the
propane for heat and that his dad only stays there when he is visiting from Pittsburg, NH for doctor's
appointments at the VA Medical Center.
I wanted to pass this along for a follow up as these conditions are completely unsafe for someone to be
living in. NPD officer Jessica Sullivan(259)was also on scene.