City Services
Public Safety: Fire
Bangor Fire Department
~ Preserving life and property
Outside Burning in Bangor
The City of Bangor requires that all outside fires (Brush etc...) have a permit written by the Fire Department.
We allow burning of Brush only, and each site is inspected for the safety of the public, We will send the engine company in your area for the inspection. Contact the station closest to your residence or call Central Fire at 992-4700 for questions,
Stroke / Heart Attack Awareness
Although it is impossible to predict when and where a sudden cardiac illness and stoke will occur, or who its victims might be, there’s a better chance for survival if you are located in Bangor. That is because Bangor has been designated a Maine Heart Safe Community.
Early recognition of the signs and symptoms associated with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), heart attack and stroke, as well as immediate access to emergency services and prompt medical treatment are all critical to save lives and decrease disabilities associated with cardiovascular events. The Maine Heart Safe Communities designation recognizes Bangor’s dedication to improving this “Chain of Survival” through partnerships with Maine Emergency Medical Services (Maine EMS), Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Cardiovascular Health Program (MCVHP).
Specifically, the Bangor Fire Department qualified for and was awarded Platinum Heart Safe designation because of cardiovascular public education training opportunities in the area, an above average number of community placed Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s), first response vehicles equipped with cardiac monitors/defibrillators, Advanced Life Support medical response, priority medical dispatching, and an ongoing evaluation of the community’s cardiac and stroke Chain of Survival.
Heart disease and stroke account for nearly one in three deaths in Maine. Despite our medical and safety advances, patient delay is the largest reason why people do not get care as quickly as needed. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms associated with sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke, and calling 9-1-1 as soon as symptoms are witnessed; are critical to raising survival rates for people in our community.
The warning signs of a heart attack are:
-Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back
-Feeling weak, lightheaded or faint -Chest pain or discomfort -Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulders -Shortness of breath
The warning signs of a stroke are SUDDEN:
-Numbness in the face, arm or leg -Slurred speech -Blurred vision -Dizziness or loss of balance
-Severe headache
In Bangor, we are fortunate to have access to vital life saving treatment, but, to further ensure that our Heart Safe system can do its work, we all must do our part and learn the signs of sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke, and call 9-1-1 immediately should we see these signs in our loved ones or coworkers.
Early access to CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation are also vital links in the “Chain of Survival” and can be learned and performed by almost anyone. For a list of CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) trainings available in or near Bangor, call the Bangor Fire Department at 992-4700.
In recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month (May), the Bangor Fire Department is inviting members of the public to any of our three fire stations during business hours between 800 am and 430 pm (Main Street, Hogan Road, or Griffin Road) for a free blood pressure and pulse check, as well to explain warning signs of heart attack and stroke. If members are on an emergency call, please stop back later.
Captain Ken Wicks Retires
On this 99th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1911 in Bangor, Captain Ken Wicks is announcing his retirement from the Bangor Fire Department. Hired May 1, 1978, effective date of retirement of May 1, 2010. He worked his last shift, on April 30, 2010.
After 34 years in the fire service, 2 as a volunteer, 32 years as full time with Bangor Fire, he islooking forward to working just one job instead of two.
Ken also been installing windows for 38 years, for himself since 1979. He expects to
continue until he finishes at least 50 years.
Good Luck Ken!
The Dangers of Home Oxygen and Smoking
Home oxygen equipment can save lives, and allow patients with breathing problems to stay in their homes and lead fuller lives. However, home oxygen can also be extremely dangerous. In Massachusetts, several fatal fires have prompted investigators to more closely examine the dangers of home oxygen, particularly when people smoke with this equipment in the house. "Smoking in homes where people use oxygen starts many fires each year that cause deaths and injuries," says Massachusetts state fire marshal and top fire official Stephen D. Coan. "These fires force whole families and other building tenants out of their homes, destroy a lifetime's possessions, and cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage." Home oxygen is pure O2, a fuel necessary for a fire to burn. When exposed to an open flame or spark, pure oxygen can ignite, and if a fire is already burning around home oxygen, a bottle can suddenly and violently explode or release O2, giving the fire more fuel and making the fire far larger and more dangerous. A National Fire Prevention Association study reports that from 2003 to 2006, 1,190 people were burned per year in the U.S. from fires associated with home medical oxygen, and 73 percent of those fires were caused by smoking, with 89 percent of victims suffering facial burns. Coan's office is distributing pamphlets to fire departments, including a step-by-step guide for fire fighters to educate residents on the dangers of smoking around oxygen. Oxygen users should also stay away from candles, gas grills, stoves, and any open flames. "It's a very dangerous thing. This is an issue that is extremely dangerous in homes," says National Fire Protection Association spokesperson Lorraine Carli. "But like most fires and burns, they can be prevented by people taking some very simple steps."
Fire Deaths in Maine fall to 14 in 2009
By The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Maine — Maine had low numbers of fire deaths in 2009, while the number of homicides was near average.
For the year, there were 14 fire deaths, down from 15 in 2008 and just two more than the record low of 12, in 2007 and 1995.
Maine had 40 to 50 fire deaths a year a decade ago. The number has dropped with improved building codes, widespread use of fire detectors and stepped-up fire prevention programs by local fire departments, Department of Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland said.
“It’s been an exceptionally safe year on Maine’s highways and an exceptionally safe year in people’s homes,” McCausland said.
In 2009 there were 158 traffic fatalities, three more than in 2008, which had the lowest total since 1959.
The state saw 25 homicides in 2009, down from 31 the previous year and near the average of about 24. Ten of the homicides have been classified as domestic.
There were three double homicides during the year, and two victims were killed after being set on fire.
Kimberly Spaminato is charged with murder for allegedly setting her husband on fire last January as he slept in their home in Wells.
In August, 12-year-old Michael Devine was killed when his mother set their vehicle on fire in a gravel pit in Gorham in what has been ruled a murder-suicide, officials said.
PREVENTING CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
• Service all heating systems and all gas-, oil- or coal-burning appliances by a technician annually.
• Install a battery-operated and electric-powered carbon monoxide detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.
• Contact a doctor if you believe you have carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Do not use gas-powered devices such as a generator, grill or stove inside your home, basement or near a near a window or door. Generators should be operated more than 15 feet from the home.
• Do not run any gas-powered motor inside a closed structure, such as a garage.
• Do not heat a home with a gas oven.
Source: Maine Center for Disease Control and Maine State Fire Marshal
Firehouse fun teaches safety, prevention
By Jessica BlochBDN Staff
BANGOR, Maine — Once the Jaws of Life got to it, the gray Chevrolet Lumina had no chance. Two Bangor firefighters operated the hydraulic rescue tool, tearing off the windshield and propping up the dashboard. Shattered glass and car parts were scattered around the demolished vehicle.
It was all much to the delight of five first-grade boys in Den Leader Dalton Reed’s Tiger Cub Scout group, who stood with wide eyes as firefighter and EMT Bill Wentworth explained what was going on.
“Now we have access to the whole inside of the car,” Wentworth said. “Anybody that’s trapped, we can get them out. Pretty amazing, huh?”
Hundreds of children and adults had a chance to see a demonstration of rescue and firefighting equipment as well as pick up safety information Saturday during the Bangor Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Month open house, held at the Central Fire Station on Main Street.
Oh, and there was plenty of Halloween candy and a costume contest, too.
Firefighters gave tours of the station’s big, shiny, red trucks and ambulances, slid down the station’s poles, and pried apart cars in Jaws of Life demonstrations. The Jaws of Life is a tool used by rescue workers to free people trapped in small spaces, such as cars.
There were also displays about heating safety and railroad awareness, along with plenty of information about fire prevention.
“Part of this is for education, and part of this is for fun,” said Jake Johnson, the department’s public education officer.
In addition to spreading information about fire prevention, Wentworth said, the annual open house also serves to humanize the firefighters, many of whom towered over the youngsters.
“It takes a lot of the fear out for the kids,” said Wentworth, who lives in Garland. “They see us here joking around, not in a serious way we are when we’re focused on our job.”
Reed brought his Tiger Cubs of Bangor-based Den No. 6 to the open house to fulfill a go-see requirement, but it didn’t seem like an obligation for the five boys in the pack. After watching the Jaws of Life demonstration behind the firehouse, they followed Wentworth to the front of the station so he could show them different nozzles used to fight car fires.
“This is the perfect opportunity for them to fulfill their requirements,” Reed said. “They asked tons of great questions, too.”
No power? Generators work great . . . but only if used safely. Now is the time to learn how to safely use a generator
Bangor Fire Department Mission Statement
The Mission of the Bangor Fire Department is dedicated to the protection of life, property and the environment for those who live, work, visit, or invest in our community.
Through well educated, dedicated personnel and with proper equipment: we pledge to deliver the highest quality fire suppression, public fire education, advanced emergency medical services, code enforcement, and emergency response to all natural and man-made disasters.
This professional commitment to service is also put forth by promoting personal development within the department, while utilizing effective principles and practices of modern fire and life safety technology in an accountable manner.
The Bangor Fire Department is also affiliated with the Hose 5 Fire Museum -- a former fire station built in 1897 at 247 State Street. Used as a firehouse for almost 100 years this station is now used as fire museum. Admission is free. Call (207) 945-3229 or 992-4700 to schedule a tour.
E-mail Chief Cammack at: jeff.cammack@bangormaine.gov
CALL 911 for emergencies
(Business) Call us at: (207) 992-4700
(Business) Fax us at: (207) 942-8213
Write us at:
Bangor Fire Department
289 Main Street
Bangor, Maine 04401
Other Contact Information:
Central Station (Main Street): 992-4700
Station 6 (Griffin Road): 992-4690
Station 5 (Hogan Road): 992-4680
Fire Prevention Bureau: 992-4714 or jason.johnson@bangormaine.gov
Fire Inspections: 992-4264 or 992-4180
Hose 5 Museum: 945-3229 or 992-4700
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