The Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions: Emergency Management and Firefighting

Fire Chief of Andover, MA shares his experience in managing this incident

Thu, November 21, 2019
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Room 630H

On 9/13/18, natural gas pipelines in Boston-area municipalities of Andover, North Andover, and Lawrence, were accidentally overpressurized. The resulting situation resulted in approximately 80 gas-fed structure fires across these town over a period of a few hours. Realization of the extent and cause of the fires led to an evacuation order for these communities. One person was killed, and several were injured. The incident resulted in one of the largest mobilizations of fire resources in the history of the State.

Come learn from one of the principals in this noteworthy and complex incident -- Michael Mansfield, Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management, Town of Andover, Massachusetts