SALEM – The City of Salem Fire and Electrical Departments will begin a program to de-install the existing Master Box Fire Alarm system over the coming months. As part of this process, residents will notice that street fire alarm boxes will start to be covered. Additionally, any private property with a master box connection will receive a direct notification. The system will be taken offline effective June 1, 2026.
Salem’s master box fire alarm system dates back to the late 19th century and operates by transmitting Morse-code signals over a citywide network of wiring. While innovative in its time, the system is now outdated, unreliable, and costly to maintain. Many communities have already transitioned away from these systems due to the availability of modern fire alarm technologies, telephones, and cellular networks.
In Salem, no fire in the past 20 years has been reported exclusively via a street box. Most activations are malicious; in fact, last year alone there were 66 false alarms from street boxes, wasting City resources and creating unnecessary safety risks. Furthermore, many of the boxes are prone to vandalism and are in poor condition.
“While the master box system served Salem well for over a century, it’s no longer practical or effective,” said Fire Chief Alan Dionne. “Modern technology provides faster, more reliable ways to report emergencies, and this change will help us focus resources where they’re needed most.”
“This is about improving public safety and reducing unnecessary strain on our emergency services.” Mayor Dominick Pangallo added, “We’re committed to making this transition smooth for residents and property owners.”
The City is dedicated to ensuring public safety during this transition. Residents and property owners will receive updates and guidance on alternative fire reporting methods. For emergencies, residents should continue to call 911.
