East Bridgewater Fire Responds to Flooding in Town Following Dam Breach
Posted on: January 27, 2023 - 9:13pm
EAST BRIDGEWATER -- Chief Timothy Harhen reports that the East Bridgewater Fire Department responded this morning to reported flooding in town following a water dam breach.
At about 9 a.m. Friday, East Bridgewater Fire and Police responded to the area of Bixby Drive after an approximately 20-foot section of an earthen dam gave out. The breach is believed to have occurred around 6 a.m. The dam is privately owned and the portion of the dam where the breach occurred is located in East Bridgewater.
Water from the Plymouth Street pond began to drain into Robbins Pond in East Bridgewater as a result of the breach. Ten to 12 properties in East Bridgewater are believed to have been affected by water. No injuries were reported.
East Bridgewater Police assisted in closing a portion of Pond Street near the boat ramp at Robbins Pond. That portion of the road will be closed until water recedes and the bridge can be inspected to ensure it is not compromised.
Chief Harhen would also like to thank the Bridgewater Police Department, which provided use of their drone to give East Bridgewater officials a view of the extent of the flooding.
Personnel from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency also responded to assist.
The dam owner is working to make repairs. Further inquiries regarding the dam should be referred to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Office of Dam Safety.