Norton Fire Department: Fires and Damages Up in 2012

Norton has released its annual 2012 town report, and here’s a look at the some of the numbers.

The Fire Department had quite a time last year, with 1,263 calls concerning fire. That may seem high, but it is an 8.9 percent reduction from 2011, which the report attributes to the mild winter and less usage of heaters and boilers.

There were four multiple alarm fires and two full first alarm fires, which increased property damage numbers a bit. In 2012, residents and businesses of Norton lost approximately $625,653 in property to fire, which is up 31 percent from 2011.

There were also 1,703 emergency medical calls in 2012, and 527 simultaneous emergencies, up 30 percent.

The department also performed over 713 inspections during 2012. Tropical Storm Irene also saw over 50 Norton roads blocked by fallen trees.