Northampton Fire Department has resumed its Monday evening drills for its firefighters. Fire Chief Keith Knobloch indicated the department’s response to restarting drills has been met with support by more than 50 of its volunteers.

When drills paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fire department was, however, still busy. Knobloch said firefighters recently responded to three major fires in the borough: one large residential fire in the 2200 block of Washington Avenue, another large apartment fire on Main Street and a third residential fire in the south end of the borough.

Knobloch added the Washington Avenue fire was caused by a malfunctioning electrical device, while the other two fires remain under investigation.

The estimated amount of damage to the three structures is in the hands of the insurance adjusters.

The proposed fire department training center and grounds off Howertown Road is now being shelved. The borough-owned property was deemed not fit for such a project because of topography and cost.

In more fire department news, the new borough aerial firetruck, being built by Pierce Fire Company in Wisconsin, should be ready for delivery in December. A contingent of fire officials has visited the plant and observed its progress, making recommendations it deemed fit.