Fire Department

Change Your Clock and Change Your Batteries

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:44:24 -0500

Daylight savings time begins March 11^th. The Orono Fire Department would like to remind everyone to change the batteries in their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks. Changing smoke alarm batteries every six months is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce tragic fire deaths and injuries. Even smoke detectors that are hardwired into your house may still have a battery in them so that they will operate in the event of a power failure.

In addition to changing the batteries, it is important to remember that smoke detectors are only good for ten years. If your smoke detector was installed before 2002, it needs to be replaced. Other tips include:

Test your smoke detector at least once a month
Dust or vacuum your smoke detector to prevent buildup which could cause it to become non-operational
If you hear a chirping sound, IMMEDIATELY change the battery
Along with having an operational smoke detector, you MUST know how to exit your home in the event of fire. Practice home fire drills and be sure to have a designated meeting place.

If you have questions, or need assistance in changing your batteries, please call the fire department at 207 866-4000. You can also visit the website for the U.S. Fire Administration at:

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/campaigns/smokealarms/alarms/index.shtm

Weekend Fire Caused by Hair Dryer

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:08:56 -0500

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that a weekend fire at the Stillwater Village apartment complex was accidental and caused by a hair dryer. The fire was reported around 6 p.m. Saturday night. Occupants were alerted to the fire when the fire alarm system activated. The properly working fire doors throughout the building kept most of the smoke out of the hallways, allowing tenants to safely exit the building. No tenants were injured but two firefighters suffered minor injuries.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find heavy fire in the ground floor apartment and extending up the exterior of the building to apartments on the second and third floors. Additional help was requested from the University of Maine Ambulance Corps and fire departments in Old Town, Veazie, and Bangor. The fire was contained within a half hour of arrival.

Stillwater Village is a large garden-style apartment building. The fire building is divided into three sections with each section containing 12 one to three bedroom apartments. During the fire, twenty-four apartment units were evacuated. The occupants of twelve of those apartments were allowed back in late Saturday after smoke and carbon monoxide levels were reduced. Twenty-four tenants from the other twelve apartments have been displaced until the building can be repaired. Twenty-three of them were University of Maine students. They are staying on the University of Maine campus, at local hotels, or with friends and family.

Reduce the Risk of Holiday Cooking Fires

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:12:17 -0500

Frying a turkey can be a different way to enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving meal, but it is important to do it safely. Frying anything creates the risk of hot oil burns and fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2006 and 2007 there were over 1400 cooking fires nationwide on Thanksgiving Day. This is three times more than the daily national average.

If you do plan to fry a turkey, follow these safety tips to help you fry a turkey safely.

Never overfill the container with oil. Some containers have markings to indicate how much oil to add. If not, add the turkey to the container and fill with water until the turkey is covered. Remove the turkey and mark the level of water. Dry the container and refill with oil to the mark.
Do not fry a turkey indoors or on a deck.
Find a solid surface outdoors and away from combustibles. Hot oil could tip over if you cook on an uneven surface.
Make sure the turkey is thawed and dried properly. Water or ice contacting hot oil could cause it to splatter causing a fire or burns.
Turn off the flame before adding the turkey to the hot oil. If the oil spills over when adding the turkey it is less likely to catch fire.
Monitor the temperature of the oil. It should be between 350°^F and 375°^F. Oil that is overheated can smoke or catch on fire.
Do not add water or ice to cool the oil.
Keep a fire extinguisher available. Never relay on a hose to put out a fire. Adding water to a cooking fire can cause the fire to spread.
Containers can get hot. Use the lifting hook and oven mitts or gloves whenever working around fire or hot oil.
Cook your turkey to a minimum internal temperature of 165°^F. This should take between three and four minutes per pound.

No matter what you decide to eat for the Thanksgiving holiday, please be safe. For more information about cooking safety please contact the Orono Fire Department at (207) 866-4000.

Fire Dept. Open House, Oct. 23th

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:49:13 -0400

The Orono Fire Department will hold an Open House on Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 10am-1pm at the Fire Department. Planned events include: high angle demonstrations, fire truck tours/rides, 911 phone practice, gear up with fire gear, pictures of the first 100 kids, fire extinguisher class, Sparky the Dog, Uh-Oh's, bounce house, smoke trailer, and food. This year's Fire Safety topic is "Protect Your Family from Fire". Come and join the fun! If you have questions, call 866-4000.

Orono Fire Department To Be Honored With Safety Award

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:27:24 -0400

Representatives from the Maine Department of Labor will attend the town council meeting on September 12^th to honor the Orono Fire Department for their safe work practices. Firefighters worked with a consultant from the Department of Labor for over a year to identify risks, reduce workplace hazards, review policies, and analyze injury statistics. Because of these efforts, they were recommended to receive the Safety and Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE).

According to the Maine Department of Labor website, the SHAPE recognizes public sector employers who maintain an exemplary safety and health management system. Acceptance into SHAPE by the Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards is an achievement that distinguishes an organization as a model for workplace safety and health.

Attaining this recognition demonstrates that the Orono Fire Department is not only committed to the safety of Orono citizens, but also ensuring the safety of the firefighters who work around the clock to protect them. The presentation of the award will occur at 7 pm as part of the regular town council meeting in the Orono Town Council Chambers. Members of the public and media are welcome to attend. To find out more about the SHAPE, you can contact the Orono Fire Department or visit http://www.safetyworksmaine.com/safe_workplace/shape.html

Fire Hydrant Testing in Bennoch Road Area

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 17:06:07 -0400

The fire department will be flow testing fire hydrants beginning Monday July 18^th between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This testing will occur in the Bennoch Road area including Noyes Drive, Cromwell Drive, Lexington Road, Winterhaven Drive and Godfrey Drive. Flow testing is conducted to familiarize the fire department with the amount of water that will be available during emergency situations and to meet ISO requirements which can affect your fire insurance rates.

This testing may affect the water system. You may experience a loss of water or some discoloration during this time. Let your cold water run until water clears. Also, please delay doing laundry during the hours of testing and up to two hours after testing is complete to avoid discoloration of clothing.

The Orono Fire Department asks for your patience and understanding during this testing process. Testing is done as quickly and efficiently as possible and we hope to complete all testing by the end of the week. If you have any questions please contact Fire Marshal Henry Vaughan at 866-4000.

Fire Department Career Opportunities

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:56:11 -0400

The City of Old Town Fire/Rescue and Town of Orono Fire Departments are accepting applications for current and future Firefighter/EMT vacancies. Applicants must be Interior/Structural fire attack qualified and certified at the EMT Basic level; applicants with current EMS Paramedic certification are preferred. Incumbents should be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and hold a valid driver’s license. Candidates must also pass written and physical agility tests.

Applications and full job descriptions are available at the City of Old Town Public Safety Building, 150 Brunswick Street, Old Town, Maine 04468 or the Town of Orono Public Safety Building, 63 Main Street, Orono, Maine 04473. Completed applications along with a cover letter and resume must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., July 29, 2011 at either Department. The City of Old Town and Town of Orono are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Be Fire Safe This 4th of July

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 11:23:42 -0400

As the sun continues to warm the air in Maine and the 4th of July approaches, the Orono Fire Department would like to remind residents of some safety items. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks resulted in approximately 1900 emergency room visits in 2010. They also resulted in 18,000 fires in 2009 according to data from the National Fire Protection Association.

Fireworks are illegal to sell, possess, or display in Maine. The only exceptions to this are for sparklers, morning glories, paper caps and plastic caps. Even though sparklers and morning glories are legal, they can still be dangerous. Sparklers can burn hotter than 1200 degrees. This is hot enough to cause fires, burn injuries, or light clothing on fire.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending community displays that are conducted by licensed professionals. If you do choose to use sparklers or morning glories, always follow these tips:

Never allow young children to play with or light sparklers or morning glories
Always have adult supervision
Do NOT try to pick up or relight sparklers that are dropped or go out
Never point or throw fireworks at yourself or another person
Keep a bucket of water or garden hose ready in case of fire
Place used sparklers in a bucket of sand

The Orono Fire Department wants you to be safe and enjoy the things Orono and the State of Maine have to offer this summer. Have a great Independence Day holiday.

For more information call the Orono Fire Department at 207 866-4000 or visit the following websites:

http://www.cpsc.gov/info/fireworks/

http://www.maine.gov/dps/fmo/inspections/fireworks.html

CPR Course

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:09:49 -0400

The Orono Fire Department will be hosting a Heartsaver® CPR and AED class on July 7^th at 6 p.m. The course is open to the public and designed for community members who are interested in learning CPR. Heartsaver CPR-AED is a classroom, video-based, instructor-led course that teaches adult CPR and AED use, as well as how to relieve choking on an adult.

The cost of the course is $25. For question or to register please call the Orono Fire Department at 866-4000.

Know The Symptoms of Stroke

Sun, 08 May 2011 09:56:21 -0400

May is national Stroke Awareness month. The Orono Fire Department wants everyone to know how important it is to immediately recognize the symptoms of stroke and call 911 for help. That is why we have partnered with several organizations including the Maine CDC/DHHS Cardiovascular Health Program, the American Stroke Association, Healthy Maine Partnerships and others to increase awareness of these signs and symptoms. Early recognition of stroke symptoms is critical – time lost is brain lost. Stroke symptoms include sudden:

Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg
Slurred speech
Blurred vision
Dizziness or loss of balance
Severe headache

Survival and recovery for stroke depend on a team approach. Bystanders must recognize symptoms quickly and call 911 immediately, so that medical attention can be given right away by emergency medical services and hospital emergency providers. The goal is to help Mainers understand the vital role they play in responding quickly to stroke. Stroke is a medical emergency requiring an immediate call to 911, and if we can increase people’s ability to quickly recognize the symptoms and call emergency responders, we can positively impact survival and quality of life among those suffering stroke in Maine.

Nearly 75% of all strokes occur in people aged 65 years and older. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and a history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes also increase the possibility of stroke.

In addition to state-wide radio public service announcements, education materials including community presentations, stroke symptom cards and magnets, are available by calling (207) 866-4000 or by stopping in at the Orono Fire Station. Information is also available at the following websites: www.mainehearthealth.org and www.strokeassociation.org.

About the Maine CDC/DHHS Cardiovascular Health Program (MCVHP)

The MCVHP, in the Department of Health and Human Services, partners with community organizations, employers, health care providers, and state-level organizations to prevent cardiovascular deaths, and improve overall cardiovascular health in Maine. MCVHP promotes a way of life that supports and includes physical activity, healthy eating, being tobacco-free, preventing and controlling high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, and increasing timely, quality care for heart attacks and strokes. This is accomplished by partnering with state-level organizations, providing health education to Maine residents and offering technical assistance, resources and training to community organizations, health care providers and employers.

Quick Actions Save Apartment Complex From Fire

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 15:08:01 -0400

Firefighters responded to a building fire at 9 Centre Drive last night around 9:30. When they arrived they were met by a rapidly moving fire and gusting winds. All occupants, except one, were alerted by the fire alarm system and evacuated on their own. One occupant was assisted out of the building by firefighters. No injuries were reported. In addition to firefighters from Orono, mutual aid from Old Town, Bangor, Veazie, and the University of Maine Volunteer Ambulance Corps responded to the scene.

The building is a twelve unit garden style apartment complex that abuts an identical building. Two apartments received significant smoke and fire damage. In total, the occupants of twelve units were temporarily displaced and were assisted by the Salvation Army, the Town of Orono and the University of Maine. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Orono Fire and Police Departments in conjunction with the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal.

When you change your clock, change your smoke detector battery

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 15:55:55 -0500

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are life savers, but only when working properly. This weekend, when you change your clocks for daylight savings time, remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that there were 356,200 residential fires and 2480 deaths during 2009. At least twenty-three percent of fatal residential building fires between 2006 and 2008 were in buildings that did not have working smoke detectors and eighty percent of child fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Reduce your risk and take the time to change your batteries.

In addition, check your smoke detectors monthly and plan on replacing them every ten years. If you have any questions or are in need on help changing the batteries in your smoke detectors contact the Orono Fire Department at 207 866-4000.

Follow the Orono Fire Department on Twitter

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:37:14 -0500

Information about how to stay safe, upcoming events, large emergency incidents and other fire department activities is now available when you follow the Orono Fire Department on Twitter. As always, news and other information will be available at www.orono.org but Twitter will allow citizens and the media to get up to the date information by either computer or mobile device. To subscribe, just go to Twitter and follow oronofire.

House fire contained to second floor

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:19:34 -0500

Firefighters from Orono, Old Town, and Bangor responded to a house fire at 17 Peters Street on Sunday. The fire was reported around 4:11 a.m. and initial units were on scene within three minutes. The fire was extinguished within an hour. Four occupants escaped the fire and were evaluated by paramedics from the Bangor Fire Department. Damage was limited mostly to the second floor of the structure.

Veazie firefighters stood by at the Orono Fire Station during the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Orono Fire Department, Orono Police Department and Maine State Fire Marshal's Office.

Video of the fire was captured by neighbors and can be viewed by clicking below.

Orono Fire Department Unveils New Poster

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:40:09 -0500

by Meghan Hayward , WABI TV5- September 28th 2010 10:04pm - Read more Local News

Orono - Fire Prevention Week kicks off next week and the Orono Fire Department has unveiled a new poster to go along with it.

The posters are supposed to encourage the use of smoke detectors and were designed by Second Lieutenant Kevin Sirois, and firefighters Dennis Bean and Matt Grindle as part of the ongoing fire prevention effort in the town.

Brookings and Smith Funeral home also helped with the ad campaign, creating a setting of what could happen in the aftermath of a fire.

Fire Prevention Week runs from October third through the ninth and this year's theme is Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With.

" The biggest thing is you can have one in place but it's not going to its job unless it's properly maintained and taken care of. Such as checking the battery making sure it works monthly, changing the battery twice a year and just some general maintenance of keeping it clean and make sure it's in the proper place."

The poster will be on display throughout Orono at the local schools, UMaine student housing and some local businesses.

Empire Beauty School evacuated after carbon monoxide scare

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 09:36:51 -0500

BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Empire Beauty School in Bangor was shut down Tuesday and nearly 100 people were evacuated after a carbon monoxide leak was reported inside the building.

The Bangor Fire Department along with crews from the DEP, Bangor Gas, and the Orono Hazmat team determined the cause of the leak was a faulty propane heater on the roof. Six people were transported to Eastern Maine Medical Center for futher evaluation. All of them have been released. No major illnesses have been reported as a result of the incident. The fire department says the building had no carbon monoxide detectors, and the situation could have been a lot worse.

"Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors I can't stress the importance enough," said Bangor Assistant Fire Chief Darrell Cyr. "The heating season is coming. Make sure you check your appliances, anything that burns, gas, fuel, oils, dryers, stoves, furnaces, just make sure they're working properly."

The fire department says the school has been closed but should be back open Wednesday morning after the faulty propane heater is fixed.

Firefighters Train for Rare Emergencies

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 09:32:33 -0500

by Caroline Connolly , WABI TV 5- November 3rd 2010 09:38pm

Orono - Today, it was back to school for local firefighters in Orono and Old Town.

Both departments were trained in how to respond to rare railroad emergencies.

The rail safety group behind the event stressed how important it is for emergency responders to get the experience.

"The education is really important because the dangers are very unique in a rail incident as much as they would be in an air incident," said Norma Griffiths, of Maine Operation Lifesavers.

As one of four hazmat teams in Maine, Orono and and Old Town would be the first responders to hazardous leaks in surrounding communities.

That is why Mark Graffam, a Lt. in the Old Town fire department, says his crew understands how important the education is.

"This is something that we wanted to have just because we have it going through our community, and I think it's important part of our training to know what is in our community and what could be coming through on the rail lines."

About forty firefighters will train over the next three days in order to prepare for safety issues such as hazmat leaks and train derailments.

Before hitting the classroom this morning, Lt. Scott Luciano of the Orono Fire Department was out on the railroad lines getting some hands on experience.

"We were able to climb in, look at some of the controls that the conductor or engineer would use and how we would operate them or work with the railroad in an emergency."

With their training on track, both departments can respond to unique emergencies that happen to roll in.