AUGUSTA — The Great Fire of 1865 in Downtown Augusta will be the topic of the next Kennebec Historical Society presentation set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, at Augusta City Center, 16 Cony St.

Andrew B. Loman will talk about the history of firefighting in the 19th century and the valiant efforts of those men and women who fought the inferno, as well as the devastation that resulted in the rapid rebuilding of the 100 structures that were destroyed by the event. Loman retired from Maine Medical Center after a long career in healthcare management and teaching at a number of universities in Maine and other New England states. Upon retirement, he became involved with his lifelong passion for history and historical buildings which he expressed through his involvement as vice chairman of the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission and his volunteering as a docent at the Maine State Museum. His interest in firefighting began as an adolescent when he joined his local fire department and continued in volunteer and call firefighting experiences in New Jersey, Massachusetts and Maine. Although no longer active in the fire service, he has remained active in exploring the history of firefighting, equipment and uniforms of the 19th century.