As a former firefighter in New York for 20 years, I’m interested in anything fire-related in the state and particularly around Augusta.

In New York, we needed a certain number of firefighters before we could respond to an alarm. The Augusta Fire Department does a great job with one-third fewer men. When I read about relocating the only ladder truck company in Augusta from Western Avenue to a new firehouse on Leighton Road, I had to respond.

The ladder truck is the primary rescue piece at any building fire or high-rise rescue because of its ladders and the “stick” or large extending ladder mounted to the truck. Also members of the truck company are the first to enter a building fire to rescue people. It is parked directly in front of the scene so firefighters can ladder the building for rescues or to open up the structure to make it easier for the engine crew to extinguish the fire.

A quick response time by this truck is crucial at any major incident. There is more of a need for this truck in the city where it is housed now.

Think about how many high buildings and density of houses in the west side of town: Capitol complex, Water Street, Sand Hill, etc. How many structures like that are around Augusta’s North End? One on Commerce Drive.

To put that truck far away from where it’s needed most should be reconsidered. The additional response time to the most densely populated section of Augusta may cost some lives, civilian and firefighter. The key to any fire scene is a coordinated effort between the ladder and engine companies.

The best way for this to happen is both crews arrive together or not far behind each other. Having a ladder truck situated in the North End limits this ability tremendously.

Donald Fournier

Waterville

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