Press Release: 5/6/2025
MEMA Connects California Wildfire Survivors with Surplus Water Heaters from Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions
Haverhill electrical company donates about 1,200 unused electric water heaters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/05/2025
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Robert Burgess, Communications and Digital Media Specialist
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Call Robert Burgess, Communications and Digital Media Specialist at (857) 274-2117
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FRAMINGHAM — Thanks to the collaborative efforts of state, local, and private entities, a surplus of 40-gallon water heaters is headed to the West Coast to help survivors of January’s California wildfires, which destroyed thousands of homes. Over the past several months, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) helped facilitate the donation from a local Massachusetts business owner.
“This is the kind of creative partnership that connects public safety personnel across our country,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Disaster response is not just a local issue. It’s something that brings us all together. I’m grateful these water heaters will be used by those affected by the tragic California wildfires earlier this year.”
“The Merrimack Valley gas explosions were devastating to so many residents who were affected,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Much like the survivors of the California wildfires, it took people in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover a long time to feel a sense of normalcy. Whenever there is a way to support each other in times of need, we need to jump at those opportunities.”
The journey of 1,136 Rheem electric water heaters began in the aftermath of the 2018 gas explosions in Merrimack Valley. To ensure safety after the explosions, Columbia Gas—through its parent company NiSource—ordered replacement appliances for affected homes and businesses. After all local residents were served, there remained a surplus of electric heaters that Haverhill-based All-Pro Electric purchased and is now donating to survivors of the recent California wildfires.
All-Pro Electric has been storing water heaters at a warehouse in Lawrence since 2018. Seeking a way for the machines to be given to a community in need, All-Pro owner Michael Harrington began reaching out to his contacts in the public safety sector.
“When the Los Angeles fires destroyed so many homes, we wanted to help those in need,” said Harrington, who estimated the total value of the machines at around $500,000. “What better way to help than by donating surplus equipment from one disaster on the East Coast and helping people in distress on the West Coast.”
To coordinate the donation, Harrington connected with the MEMA, which supported disaster response and recovery efforts in the wake of the Merrimack Valley gas explosions. MEMA connected with its counterparts in California, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the nonprofit Global Empowerment Mission, to work out the logistics, which included California booking moving trucks and warehouse space for the water heaters.
MEMA’s Survivor Assistance Coordinator, Jamie Barry, who supports donations management on behalf of the state when there is a significant emergency or disaster, led the effort to connect the donor with California’s donations management team.
“Emergency management in Massachusetts and California have shared common values – survivor-centric response and recovery and that everyone matters. I am thrilled that Ms. Barry was able to connect with our colleagues at CalOES to coordinate the delivery of these water heaters to people who are truly in need,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “I am also very impressed with and grateful for Mr. Harrington’s desire to do good for others and his initiative in finding the best and highest use for the water heaters.”
"We are deeply grateful to Massachusetts for their generous donation that will go directly to wildfire survivors with the greatest needs,” said Nancy Ward, Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services “This act of compassion is a powerful reminder that we are never alone, no matter the distance. This is truly neighbor helping neighbor."
Still in their original boxes, it took 11 tractor trailer trucks to transport the water heaters across the country. The last truck left the Lawrence warehouse on April 21.
About MEMA
MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA's staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management.
By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector - individuals, families, non-profits and businesses - MEMA ensures the Commonwealth's ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover.
For additional information about MEMA and Emergency Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema.
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