Welcome to our first edition of the Chief’s Corner, where we will share with you weekly key life and property saving information, guidelines and helpful tips. Our fire service's mission is to provide lifesaving fire suppression and rescue capabilities to the community, and we are here, 24/7, 365 days a year in service and support the community.   

Our firefighters are your neighbors, and we deeply care about the community.  We welcome your feedback and questions, and please contact me with your questions which we will publish anonymously in the Chief’s Corner so we can share them with others. 

This week’s edition is focused on fire extinguishers and their use, maintenance and placement in your home. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends at least one ABC rated extinguisher on each level of a home, no more than 40 feet apart. Fire extinguishers are labeled with a type of fire they are suitable for. Type A are for ordinary consumables like wood, cloth, paper and many plastics. Type B are for flammable liquids like oil, gasoline, paints, and other similar substances. Type C are for electrical fires in wiring, fuse boxes and energized electrical equipment, computers and other electrical sources.   

Most fire extinguishers on the market today are type ABC, and these come in various sizes. These extinguishers should be in primary living areas, such as the kitchen, garage, family room and other places where a fire may start.    

Once you have made the purchase, familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher directions so you’ll be prepared in case of a fire.  Most fire extinguishers operate using the P.A.S.S technique. 

P - Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher to break the tamper seal. 

A -  Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire. 

S - Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher release the extinguishing agent. 

S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base of the fire until it is extinguished. 

Proper maintenance is also important to ensure your extinguisher works when needed.  Check your unit annually for adequate pressure levels and ensure it is clean and undamaged. 

Remember, if in doubt, get out and call 911. If your fire or CO2 alarm activates, please exit your home immediately and call 911. Having a fire escape plan, with all members of your family briefed on the plan and where to meet at your “muster station” - the driveway, a notable landmark on your property - outside of your home is also critical. Never reenter a structure with smoke or fire present.    

Our Boothbay firefighters are at the Farmers Market every Thursday, with an interactive presentation on fire safety including the use of fire extinguishers, smoke and CO2 detectors. Please stop by and ask any questions you may have, and they would be very happy to demonstrate how to use a fire extinguisher and maintain and check critical fire safety equipment. 

Thank you for reading the first edition of the Chief’s Corner, and our next edition will feature camp fire safety. 

Please email me at chief@boothbayfire.org with your questions and comments.