In a major step toward protecting the long-term health of its first responders and the public, the Boothbay Fire Department has successfully installed and activated new, state-of-the-art diesel exhaust extraction systems at the town's fire stations. The critical infrastructure upgrade, which became fully operational in December 2025, is designed to eliminate exposure to toxic exhaust fumes and dangerous particulates inside the apparatus bays.

Occupational cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters nationwide. Every time a fire engine or heavy rescue vehicle is started inside a station, it releases diesel exhaust—a known carcinogen—into the enclosed space. Without proper ventilation, these toxic particles can linger in the air and settle on protective gear, equipment, and living quarters, putting firefighters at severe risk long after the trucks have left the building.

The newly installed extraction systems directly tackle this hazard. They utilize specialized hoses that attach directly to the exhaust pipes of the department's apparatus. When a truck starts up, the noxious fumes are immediately captured and safely vented entirely out of the building before they have a chance to contaminate the indoor air. The hoses automatically disconnect as the trucks pull out of the bay to respond to an emergency.

Recognizing the need to protect personnel across the entire town, the equipment was installed in both of the department's operational hubs: the Center Station and the East Boothbay Station. By outfitting both facilities simultaneously, the department ensures that all Boothbay firefighter volunteers—regardless of which station they respond from or train at—are provided the exact same standard of health and safety.

Beyond protecting the firefighters, these installations serve a critical public health purpose. Both locations double as essential community centers. The Center Station is frequently used by the public as a warming center during severe weather, serves as a training facility for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and was even utilized by the local school system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Similarly, the East Boothbay Station regularly hosts local non-profit organizations, such as the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and Girl Scouts. Ensuring that these shared spaces are safe, secure, and free of cancer-causing materials protects everyone who walks through the doors.

This major health upgrade was made possible through funding from a mix of state support, local municipal backing, and extensive volunteer effort. The department was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission and the Maine Legislature, with the Town of Boothbay stepping up to generously cover the remaining balance across both locations.

"The Maine Fire Protection Services Commission is dedicated to the health, safety, and longevity of firefighters across our state, and mitigating the risks of occupational cancer is a top priority," said Steve Bunker of the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission. "We are proud to support the Boothbay Fire Department in this vital initiative. By investing in this state-of-the-art extraction system, Boothbay is taking a critical, proactive step to ensure their Firefighters and the public are protected from harmful toxins where they work and train."

As a firefighter and cancer survivor himself, Steve travels statewide giving lectures on cancer awareness and best practices to reduce unnecessary exposures and noted that Boothbay was one of 37 departments to receive a grant for exhaust systems or gear washing machines.

Securing the systems was a significant undertaking for the department's volunteers. A dedicated group of Boothbay firefighters spent over 250 hours researching the technology, writing the grant application, conducting procurement and sourcing activities, and personally overseeing the implementation of the new setups at both stations.

"We have launched and are in the process of implementing a comprehensive cancer prevention program designed to protect our members long after the fire is out," added Boothbay Fire Chief Tim Pinkham. "This initiative involves specialized training, new infrastructure like these diesel exhaust systems, and state-of-the-art decontamination equipment so our firefighters can safely clean their turnout gear and equipment after a response. We are incredibly grateful to the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission and the town of Boothbay for funding this critical program, and to our own firefighters who volunteered and spent hundreds of hours behind the scenes to make it a reality."

The successful completion of the diesel exhaust project caps off a highly productive year of station and equipment improvements for the Boothbay Fire Department. In addition to these systems, the department also recently secured a $228,000 federal grant to replace its aging fleet of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air packs, further demonstrating a proactive commitment to the safety and readiness of its crew.