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Date: 10/2/2019
HOLYOKE – In the wake of the fire on Fairfield Avenue, City Councilor James Leahy has filed two orders to address the issue of faulty fire hydrants.
In a media release, Leahy reported he has ordered “The Holyoke Water Department assesses each fire hydrant citywide and submit a detailed report to the City Council for discussion in the Public Safety Committee” and “The Holyoke Water Department comes before the Public Service Committee to discus their findings in the fire hydrant study.”
Mayor Alex Morse responded to the news of the fire on his Facebook page, “As many of you know, there was a serious fire on Fairfield Avenue last night and it completely destroyed a family’s home.
“It has been reported that one of the fire hydrants nearby was inoperable and another one had poor water flow. This is extremely concerning. The hydrants are all handed by the Water Department and I’ve reached out to the manager requesting an explanation of what happened and why. I will also be ordering a complete audit of our hydrants throughout the city to ensure residents know this wont be an issue in future. No resident or business should have to worry about this happening in the event of a fire.
"Luckily, everyone is safe in this instance, but it’s still unacceptable. I deeply appreciate the work of our Holyoke firefighters and the assistance of other city’s departments, as well as countless neighbors who lent a hand in a time of need last night. Once I have more facts and information I can let everyone know. I just don’t have all the answers yet.
“For now, please consider donating to help out the family in their time of need. Thank you.”
A Go Fund Me page was created to help the family. The organizer Paula Lonergan wrote, “Our dear friend Phil Langevin and his family need our help in the wake of their displacement following a tragic house fire. They are OK, but their home has been completely destroyed and they have lost everything. Please donate if you can – anything helps! If you are unable to contribute, please help out by sharing this on your timeline. Thank you!”
The goal was $10,000 and as of Sept. 30, $19,875 had been raised.
The page “Let’s help Phil and family” can be seen at https://www.gofundme.com/f/let039s-help-phil-and-family?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR2IJY7WSscPIR86-nGCMwxQa-w9xvxW1naZHGruccr61cDQiW1w05w3Bok.
Leahy added in a release that he “has known the family for his entire life.”