Watch Hill Fire Department

Tuesday turned out to be another busy night for the members of the Watch Hill Fire Department!

Under the direction of Lieutenant Rees Harold, members welcomed Mr. James Wolfe, Member of the Town of Westerly's 250th Anniversary Committee, to the station. Mr. Wolfe brought with him the Time Capsule that will be buried at Town Hall on July 4 as part of Westerly's America 250 anniversary celebration. The capsule is scheduled to be opened in 2126 during our nation's 350th anniversary. WHFD was honored to contribute a signed run sheet from participating members, a department patch, challenge coin, a fire safety helmet, and a department photo for inclusion in the capsule.

Following the presentation, members participated in training focused on aerial ladder operations, water supply, and fireground tactics in the district. We were also grateful to receive a generous donation of pizza from a local resident in support of our volunteers during training. Thank you for your kindness and support!

It was another great evening of dedication, training, and service as the men and women of the Watch Hill Fire Department continue to go above and beyond for the community we are proud to serve.

America 250 Westerly

This morning just after 8 am, the Watch Hill Fire Department was requested to provide mutual aid to the Westerly Fire District for a commercial structure fire. WHFD personnel assisted with interior fire attack, hazard mitigation, and resource coordination throughout the incident.

Chief John Mackay the Fire Chief and Incident Commander from the Westerly Fire Department also utilized our Squad 100’s rear command post during the height of operations, providing access to multiple radio channels and a dedicated workspace to track personnel and resources effectively.

All WHFD units were released and cleared the scene shortly after 11:00 a.m.

Thank you to all of our members who staffed our apparatus at the scene, as well as those who remained at the station to ensure coverage of our district in the event of another emergency. We are always proud to assist our neighbors when called upon, and work with our other mutual aid partners, just as they are always there to support us.

A special thank you to Captain Kim DePerry of the Westerly Ambulance Corps, for conducting our annual EMS in-service training for members tonight. Each summer, WAC crews join us to review proper protocols, procedures, and equipment used during medical responses, helping ensure our firefighters are prepared for the many calls we answer along our shores and waterways during the busy summer season. We are grateful for our strong partnership with the Westerly Ambulance Corps and look forward to continuing to serve our community together.

Just after 9:00 PM on Thursday night, the Watch Hill Fire Department and Pawcatuck Fire Department were dispatched for an unmanned kayak found floating off the bayside of Napatree Point.

Crews launched multiple boats, our ATV, and drones in an effort to locate a possible subject in distress. The Westerly Ambulance Corps, and the U.S. Coast Guard were also dispatched to assist.

With the assistance of the Westerly Police Department, Stonington Police, and RI DEM Environmental Police, the owner of the kayak was successfully contacted by phone and confirmed to be safe after locating ID inside the vessel. All units returned to service shortly after 10:15 PM.

This incident was a well-coordinated effort by all agencies involved under Chief Reall as the OIC and serves as a reminder that we are entering yet another busy season on the water.

The public is reminded to:
• File a float plan with a family member or friend on shore
• Always wear or carry a properly fitted PFD
• Clearly mark kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and dinghies with your name and contact information in the event they are found unattended.

On Friday afternoon, during a heavy thunderstorm, Watch Hill firefighters responded on mutual aid to assist the Westerly Fire Department with a structure fire on Brass Ring Road.

In total, 12 members responded both to the scene with our engine and squad and to cover our station in case of additional calls.

Thank you to all of our members for your continued dedication and commitment to the community. Our thoughts are with the homeowners who suffered a loss in this fire.

On the evening of March 11, 2026 at 9:14 PM members of the Watch Hill Fire Department were dispatched to a smoke detector activation on Popon Road. First arriving units found no visible smoke or fire and proceeded to search for the source of the alarm, and were in the process of contacting the homeowners to gain entry. Within minutes, firefighters detected the smell of smoke and, after forcibly entering the building, discovered heavy fire in the basement that was beginning to extend into the first-floor living area.

A first alarm assignment was quickly transmitted, bringing additional departments and personnel to the scene. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack on the main body of fire, while other members conducted searches of the building, which proved to be negative. the maority of the active fire was brought under control within minutes. As more units arrived, they were assigned to search for additional fire extension and perform overhaul operations in the residence. Members of the Watch Hill Fire Department and neighboring departments spent an extended period of time on scene before returning to service. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal and Westerly Police.

Special thanks to local firefighter Zach Perrin for providing photographs used in this posting.

Westerly Dispatch
Westerly Police Department
The Westerly Ambulance Corps, Inc.
Misquamicut Fire Department
Dunn's Corners Fire Department
Westerly Fire Department
Special Signal Fire Association / Providence Canteen
Ashaway Volunteer Fire Association
Pawcatuck Fire Department

Blizzard 2026 Update ❄️

Over 2 feet of snow fell across Watch Hill from Sunday through Tuesday, and the members of the Watch Hill Fire Department have been working around the clock to keep our community safe.

Throughout the storm and its aftermath, our firefighters responded to alarm activations, conducted well-being checks for residents without power, assisted our partners at the Westerly Ambulance Corps, Inc., coordinated with power company contractors working to restore electricity, and worked closely with Westerly DPW to ensure roads were cleared as quickly and safely as possible. Our members have also been out day and night clearing snow from fire hydrants across the district to make sure they remain accessible in the event of an emergency.

We are incredibly proud of and grateful to our Chiefs, Officers, and Volunteers who staffed the station, responded during the height of the blizzard, and remained on duty long after the snow stopped falling to help with cleanup and continued coverage. A special shout out to FF Maranda and his wife, Carrie for generously cooking an awesome home cooked dinner for our members and their families during Tuesday night’s coverage shift!

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our partners who worked seamlessly alongside us: Town of Westerly DPW, EMA, Westerly Police Department, Westerly Ambulance, and our outstanding team at Westerly Dispatch, who managed hundreds of emergency calls throughout the storm. Strong partnerships make a strong community!

As we continue digging out, we ask residents to please keep fire hydrants near your property cleared, check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors, use generators safely (never indoors or in garages), keep furnace and dryer vents clear of snow buildup, and ensure carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are working properly.

Thank you, Watch Hill, for your continued support. We are always proud to serve this incredible sea side community. Stay safe and stay warm…21 days till spring! 🌼🌞

The Watch Hill Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to the Westerly Fire Department and the Misto family on the passing of retired Chief Joseph A. Misto Sr.

Chief Misto was a dedicated professional and a steadfast supporter of our department. His steady leadership, strong command presence, and friendly demeanor left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to work with him. Always willing to lend a hand, he will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, and all who knew and loved him.

Rest in peace, retried Chief Misto. Thank you for all of the support and lessons over the years.

This morning, members of the Watch Hill Fire Department assisted in supporting the funeral services of a local police officer.

Michael Carreiro served the Westerly Police Department, retiring as a Lieutenant after 27 years, and continued his service with the University of Rhode Island Police Department still working as a Detective Sergeant. He was also an active member of The Westerly Ambulance Corps,Rescue for many years. He sadly passed away last weekend, off duty.

As a sign of respect, the American flag was displayed this morning between the Westerly Fire and Kingston Fire (URI) ladder trucks at River Bend Cemetery, with assistance from the members of all 4 of the Town of Westerly’s fire departments and Pawcatuck Fire on the procession route in their district.

Rest in peace, LT. We have it from here. 🇺🇸

Misquamicut Fire Department
Dunn's Corners Fire Department
URI Department of Public Safety

Members of the Watch Hill Fire Department assisted the Misquamicut Fire Department with a water rescue this morning in their district. Thankfully both Phoenix and our firefighters are all ok. A successful first call of 2026!