DEMOGRAPHICS: The town of Stoneham is located ten miles north of Boston, has a population of over 25,000 people, and an area of 6.6 square miles. Although mostly a residential community, Stoneham is home to a variety of stores that line either side of Route 28. Redstone Shopping plaza is the largest strip mall in town and is located on the north side near Route 128, which also doubles as Interstate 95. On the south end of town, the on and off ramps of Interstate 93 can be found which is near the large Middlesex Fells Reservation. In recent times, the once off limits Spot Pond has been opened to non-motorized boats and fishing in the summer months. Stone Zoo is also on the south end of town and hosts a large Christmas light display in late November and December.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT - THEN AND NOW: The Stoneham Fire Department has not seen as much change in the last fifteen years as some of the other Metro departments. Stoneham still responds from one station located at 25 Central Street. The 90 year old building has not undergone much change due to historic preservation, which at times can be challenging for today's modern apparatus. Fire Alarm moved to the police station when the town opted for a centralized dispatch system and the frequency has changed from 46.060 to 460.625. Due to severe budget shortfalls in recent years, department manning has dropped to 32 firefighters and 1 chief. This frequently means that the department is forced to run with only one engine and one ladder. In 1993, the apparatus roster consisted of mostly Pirsch. With Pirsch ceasing operations, E-One became the manufacturer of choice and then most recently American LaFrance. The color scheme has changed from all red to black/red. Still remaining on the roster from 1993 are Engine 2's 1972 Pirsch, Engine 4's 1989 E-One, and Engine 5's 1984 Pirsch. Engine 2 is kept at the DPW yard and is assigned to the auxiliary as a training and parade unit. Engine 4 was refurbished and is still utilized as a front line engine, while Engine 5 is in reserve.
| STATIONS | LOCATION |
| Headquarters | 25 Central Street |
| FIRE STATION PHOTOS |
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| Engine 1 | 1978 Pirsch 1000/500 |
| Engine 2 | 1972 Pirsch 1000/500 (RSV) |
| Engine 4 | 1989 E-One 1000/500 |
| Engine 5 | 1984 Pirsch 1000/500 |
| Ladder 1 | 1969 Pirsch 85' |
| Engine 1 | 2001 American LaFrance Eagle 1250/500/20/30F |
| Engine 2 | 1972 Pirsch 1000/500 (auxiliary) |
| Engine 4 | 1989 E-One Cyclone 1000/500/F (refurb) |
| Engine 5 | 1984 Pirsch 1000/500 (RSV - refurb) |
| Ladder 1 | 1995 E-One Hurricane 1250/450/100' |
| APPARATUS PHOTOS PAST AND PRESENT |
  
  
  
  
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