Fire Department Update

This past week

Calls for Service: In May, the Sanford Fire Department received 386 service calls. Among these, there were 14 fire-related calls, including 4 building fires and 4 forest/wildland fires. The majority of calls were EMS-related, with the fire department responding to 255 incidents excluding vehicle accidents with injuries. Basic Life Support (BLS) was provided 152 times, while Advanced Life Support (ALS) was provided 79 times. The department also offered mutual aid on 15 occasions. 

Fire Station Update: The City of Sanford has signed a lease-purchase agreement for a second property at 2 Payne Street (Notre Dame), to establish a fire station. 1280 Main Street (Springvale Nurseries), previously purchased, is suitable in size for a Central (Main) Station and 2 Payne Street is suitable for a District (Sub) Station. Collaboratively, the City of Sanford and the Roman Catholic Diocese are preparing the property for demolition in about a year. The next phase involves the City generating a construction cost estimate and developing conceptual building designs that will be presented to the public. 

Busiest Employee of the Month: Firefighter, Christopher Gay, was the busiest employee during May. He responded to 70 calls or 18.1% of the Department’s May calls.

Training: The Fire Department promotes ongoing learning and training. In the last 30 days, they participated in 30 diverse training sessions ranging from City Hall tours to Aerial Operations. 

Building Fire at 288 High St: On May 26th, the Fire Department responded to a building fire at 288 High St. The incident occurred at 1:47 am.  Fortunately, no occupants were present upon the arrival of the crews. The Sanford Fire Department received automatic aid from Acton, Alfred and Wells, as well as mutual aid from Kennebunk, Goodwins Mills, Lebanon, North Berwick Rescue and Wells EMS. The fire is currently under investigation by the Sanford Fire Marshal, Sanford Police Department Criminal Investigation Division and the State Fire Marshal. 

Staffing: The Sanford Fire Department is currently in the process of hiring for four available positions. The deadline for applications is in July, after which the hiring process will begin. It is expected that the selected candidates will start in September.