Flood Response

Heavy rains, melting snow, and overflowing waterways can, at times, pose a danger to the citizens and businesses of Waltham. The Waltham Fire Department is not only responsible for the protection of lives, but also property threatened by such flooding scenarios.

Depending on the amount of flooding, our duties can range from simply using mops and squeegies, to operating electric and motorized pumps hitched up to hoses, to clean up, divert or remove the water. In some other instances, we may work with the department of public works using sand or sand bags to block and divert rising waters. And when lives are at stake, we can use our Fire Department boats, ropes and ladders to assist wtih rescues of stranded victims (from flooded structures, vehicles or remote locations).