Fire Chief Roy Potter reported that the department responded to 21 calls in July, bringing the total for the year to 146 calls. The number of calls is running higher than last year.

The largest number in July were ten Emergency Medical calls. A total of 17 licensed EMS providers from the department responded to these calls. There were four motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), one with personal injuries. Sixteen firefighters responded to the MVA calls. There were four Fire Alarm calls. Six firefighters responded to the fire alarms. Fortunately, all the alarms proved to be false alarms, but all alarms are taken seriously.

There were two Fire Calls. Three firefights in Squad 4 responded to the call for mutual aid to Boothbay Harbor for smoke in the Bigelow Labs building. After responding to the scene, fire command dispatched our team to cover the Boothbay fire station while they were at the fire. The other fire was an unauthorized trash burn, which included an exploding paint can. Four firefighters responded to this call. Lastly, there was a tree in the road on Route 27. Two firefighters responded and removed the tree.

A total of 48 department personnel responded to the 21 calls for July.

Training is of the upmost importance in maintaining profession proficiency and readiness to respond to any call. Seven of our firefighters participated in Hydraulic Ventilation training with the Newcastle Fire Department. This intensive training was conducted in a simulated smoke-filled building with firefighters wearing their Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) tanks, operating as teams. Department training included apparatus identification and demonstration of its proper use. Training on the importance of completing Run Sheets to fully document each call was also conducted. Chief Potter presented Zak Poland with his certificate for successfully completing his Basic Firefighter training.

The Fire Department Auxiliary hosted its annual pancake breakfast and open house on June 28. Despite a rainy day, 72 people enjoyed pancakes, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and breakfast sandwiches—a new item this year.

Tours of fire station as well as the trucks and apparatus were also offered. Climbing on the trucks and touring the station was a big hit with the kids and adults alike! All proceeds went to provide supplement equipment to the department which reduces the town’s taxes.

The Department also participated in the 4th of July parade in Wiscasset with five fire trucks decorated with flags and patriotic banners.

The Department meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the fire station. Anyone interested in learning more about the department is welcome to attend.