Last year was a relatively quiet one for the Marion and Mattapoisett Fire Departments. Fire chiefs say that was due to public safety measures, a lack of major weather events and NSTAR’s proactive tree trimming.

In 2013, fire and police departments saw a higher number of incidents and calls related to a blizzard that knocked out power in some areas for four days. The smaller snowstorms in 2014 corresponded to less activity for the departments.

Marion Fire Chief Tom Joyce said his department, which includes EMS, had a slow year in 2014.

“Our stats were actually down for the most part,” Joyce said.

He attributed that, in part, to the inspector program. Through the program, members of the Fire Department inspect commercial establishments for potential hazards. They also check out smoke and CO2 detectors.

“We’ve found a lot of little issues that we were able to correct before any emergencies occurred,” said Joyce.

Fires and related rescues for the department dropped by more than 300 percent from 167 in 2013 to 44 in 2014.

Joyce also said there have been less downed wires during storms since the 2013 blizzard.

“NSTAR has done a great job of mitigating hazards,” he said.

The department did see more rescues, EMS and vehicle crash calls in 2014 with 663 calls versus 476 in 2013. That uptick may be due, in part, to the new full-time EMS service that allowed the department to respond to more calls.

2014 was the first full year the department instituted a full-staffed, full-time ambulance service.

“That has been working out extremely well for us,” said Joyce. “We’re out the door in two minutes or less. The citizens should be very pleased.”

Joyce said several lives have been saved because of the quicker response time.

In 2014, Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray also reported fewer incidents overall.

Calls labeled as hazardous conditions, which include electrical wiring issues, downed power lines and carbon monoxide incidents, fell from 144 in 2013 to 95 in 2014.

There were also only 12 structure fires in 2014.

“We strive on public safety and taking a proactive approach – early detection and notification,” said Murray.

He said the department encourages the public to keep its smoke and CO2 detectors up to date and to call 911 quickly when there is a fire.

“Usually, we get a good head start on it,” Murray said. “Keep them small and get them knocked down quick.”

Also like Marion, Murray said NSTAR’s efforts to trim back trees showed in the lack of downed trees, branches and power lines throughout the year.

According to Police Chief Mary Lyons, the EMS had a fairly steady year in 2014 with 508 calls versus 515 the previous year. Of those calls, eight people were transported to Rhode Island hospital and six to Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Murray also highlighted the purchase of a new rescue boat for the department. The 27-foot vessel was sold as surplus equipment by the Coast Guard and has an enclosed area for firefighters. The previous boat had an open cap and left firefighters exposed for more than a day of subzero temperatures during the January 2014 search for a missing Marion man.

In the future, Murray said, “If we have to respond, we will be better protected.”

Looking to 2015, the year has already started off with a bang, but the many snowstorms have resulted in few power outages and car accidents than expected.

“People are helping us, staying off the roads. That’s been a plus,” said Joyce.

See a breakdown of calls below: