AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - The Amherst Fire Department reported an extremely high call volume on Halloween night, requiring significant assistance from mutual aid.

According to a news release from Amherst Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren, the department hired additional overtime staffing in anticipation of the holiday. Despite having four fully staffed ambulances and an additional five firefighters on duty, the demand for emergency services quickly escalated between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Chief Stromgren stated that during this four-hour period, the department received 41 calls for service, 22 of which were handled by mutual aid. Fire and emergency crews from Hadley, Belchertown, Easthampton, Granby, Northampton, Northfield, Orange, South Hadley, and South Deerfield assisted during the rush.

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