A stream of adults and children turned out to learn more about their local fire and rescue services during an open house at the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department.
Visitors got to meet the fire and rescue volunteers, checked out the trucks and other equipment, got hands-on experience holding a live fire house and learned more about volunteering at the October 12 event, held to promote national Fire Prevention Week and the ongoing efforts by Harpswell’s three fire and rescue departments to recruit more people to help keep the volunteer service alive.
 | ||||
| Junior Firefighter Christian Ayer, right, shows a young visitor how to use a fire hose during the OBIFD open house. OBIFD photo. |
At least one person attending the open house submitted an application to join the department and others expressed possible interest in volunteering.
OBIFD and the town’s other fire and rescue departments are urgently seeking new volunteers to join their aging and dwindling ranks. A variety of roles are available with a wide range of training and time commitments. The opportunities include highly trained interior firefighters and emergency medical technicians, more lightly trained ambulance and fire truck drivers, equipment operators and support personnel, and more casual community event volunteers.
Harpswell is served by three volunteer fire and rescue departments which answer calls within their home districts and work together to fight fires, train and perform other duties. OBIFD serves Orr's, Bailey and part of Great Island south of Stevens Corner Road on Route 24 and east of the Ewing Narrows bridge on Mountain Road. The Cundy's Harbor department covers all of Great Island from the Brunswick line to Stevens Corner Road. Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue serves all areas off of Route 123, including Mountain Road west of the Ewing Narrows bridge.
More information about the three departments, including how to join as a volunteer, is available at www.harpswellfireandrescue.org, or by leaving a message for Wallace at 207-844-8105.