These audio files are from tapes that were used in a voice activated recorder. Prior to Somerville Fire going to a UHF frequency, they operated without a repeater. Therefore some of the radio traffic was not picked by the voice activated recorder. These and future files have also been edited to remove some of the dead air that would take up alot of time. These files reflect the busiest time on the Somerville Fire Department for fires.
Note: You will need to have Quick Time Player installed on your computer to listed to the Audio Files. If you do not have Quick Time Player and would like to download it for free CLICK HERE
Because of the size of these files, it may take a minute or so before the audio starts playing.
For reference, "301" was the Chief of the Department. "302" and "303" were Chief Officers - referred to as "C-2" and "C-3" present day.
The Central Steel fire occurred on November 15, 1981 and went to 6 Alarms. The fire originated in a 1st floor locker room and involved a first floor office before extending throughout the roof.
At the time of this fire, the Somerville F.D. was operating on a low band frequency of 33.86. Low band frequencies such as this are susceptible to what is known as "skip". This refers to a radio signal being reflected back from the atmosphere to earth in a far away location. As can be heard from the fireground audio at this fire, skip from fire departments in the south were causing havoc for fire alarm. You will get a good laugh at the southern accents that are picked up in the audio during this fire. While Somerville Fire was trying to battle this 6 Alarm fire, you will hear the fire department from the south trying to round up members for the Turkey Shoot that day.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO CENTRAL STEEL FIRE AUDIO PART 1
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO CENTRAL STEEL FIRE AUDIO PART 2
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