Residents of Brunswick Landing, the site of Maine’s worst toxic firefighting foam spill, joined environmental groups to urge lawmakers to quantify the amount of foam in Maine and fund a voluntary program to collect, store and dispose of it.
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Posted inBusiness, Maine
A PFAS-free fire suppressant made with Maine wood could fight wildfires
The chemical-free extinguisher could move to the market — and onto firefighting airplanes — quickly. But getting it certified will take time and money.
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Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine, Nation & World, News
Augusta firefighter spending his vacation battling Southern California wildfires
Rich Beaudoin is among a group of 20 Maine firefighters helping to fight the deadly flames in the Los Angeles area.
Posted inMaine, News
Mainers headed to Los Angeles to help fight wildfires
Two crews of Maine forest rangers and volunteer firefighters will spend 2 weeks in southern California.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine’s toxic firefighting foam shipped out of state to poor areas
Newly released records show more than 22,000 gallons of PFAS-laden foam and rinse water recovered after the recent Brunswick spill were trucked to waste incinerators in low-income communities far from Maine’s borders.
Posted inMaine, Nation & World, Schools and Education
Senate advances Social Security Fairness Act
The bill co-sponsored by Sen. Susan Collins of Maine would eliminate limits on Social Security benefits for public sector employees, including teachers and firefighters.
Posted inMaine, Morning Sentinel, News
Hundreds of Maine firefighters gather in Waterville for 60th state convention
Events on Saturday during the Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention featured a parade representing the fire service from Maine’s 16 counties and a firemen’s muster featuring antique “hand tub” firefighting apparatuses.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine’s firefighters rarely fight fires. Instead they’re answering medical calls.
In 2022, just 4.5% of calls that came into Maine fire departments were for fires. Almost three-quarters were for medical assistance.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine, Maine Crime, News
A rapidly changing landscape for first responders leaves many firefighters, EMTs unprotected
With most of Maine’s fire departments and emergency medical services responding to potentially violent situations, many of Maine’s non-law enforcement first responders are investing in ballistic personal protective equipment. Many of those who aren’t investing in the equipment would like to.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine, News
Eyeing recruiting and retention, Gardiner officials agree to 15% pay increase for firefighters
City firefighters are expected to see the increase in their base pay beginning July 1.