November certainly made quite an entrance with that intense storm on Nov. 2. The Newcastle Fire Department, as well as every other department in Lincoln County, had their hands full for about 24 hours. Fortunately, things calmed down to allow the extensive clean up efforts to get underway.
We had a few scenes where citizens showed up, chain saws at the ready to help us clear trees that had blocked roads. Bless Mainers; their help was greatly appreciated.
However, the Newcastle Fire Department would like to mention a couple of safety issues of which people should be aware.
In the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, dealing with “Emergency and auxiliary lights; sirens; privileges,” there is a section concerning right of way of emergency vehicles. It states, “On the approach of any such vehicle, the operator of every other vehicle shall immediately draw that vehicle as near as practicable to the right-hand curb, parallel to the curb and clear of any intersection and bring it to a standstill until the authorized vehicle has passed.”
It is unnerving, to say the least, to have a vehicle driving in the breakdown lane next to an operator. It also makes it impossible to make a right hand turn. So please stop and let us pass, keeping in mind, that the operators of emergency vehicles as well as personally operated vehicles are bound by all traffic laws, and must operate with due diligence for the safety of others.
The second issue has to do with downed power lines. We cannot stress enough that all power lines should be treated as live. In many circumstances, we will use cones, barrels, and caution tape to block a road where power lines have come down. Very rarely will we stand by at the scene. It would be prudent not to remove such signage and pass under or over these downed lines. Be safe, stay alive.
In October, three members of our department attended a weekend course at the Central Maine Fire Attack School in Waterville. Jim Bryant took the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, Captain Patrick Lizotte took First Arriving Engine Companies, and 1st Asst. Chief Mike Santos took Pumps I.
Once again, the Halloween party at the station was a huge success. We had about 150 children and “adults” who came for Trick or Treat. We thank all those who donated treats, and spent time to transform the station into a “scary” place.
Since the last writing of The Hose Line, the Newcastle Fire Department has responded to 35 calls. The yearly total now stands at 151.
Be safe out there.
