June 10, 2014
Hands-on fun was the order of the day at this year’s annual open house at the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department.
Visitors got a chance to operate and feel the power of a live fire hose, check out rescue tools as they tore into a wrecked car and climb aboard fire trucks and other emergency vehicles at the open house, held on June 7 at the Orr’s Island fire station.
“This annual event gives us a chance to show the community what we do and how we do it, and expose people to the benefits of helping their neighbors by volunteering for a variety of roles in the fire and rescue department,” said OBIFD Chief Ed Blain.
“It was a fun time for us and our visitors.”
Hands-on fun was the order of the day at this year’s annual open house at the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department.
Visitors got a chance to operate and feel the power of a live fire hose, check out rescue tools as they tore into a wrecked car and climb aboard fire trucks and other emergency vehicles at the open house, held on June 7 at the Orr’s Island fire station.
“It was a fun time for us and our visitors.”
Many of the department’s volunteers were on hand to demonstrate the use of fire hoses, rescue tools and fire extinguishers. Firefighters showed off the rescue tools by tearing apart a junked car as they would in an actual rescue, removing the doors and then cutting off the roof to reach occupants inside.
Children and adults got a chance to see the tools up close and even feel the power of the cutting jaws.
The open house also included a visit from the Brunswick Fire Department fire safety trailer, in which visitors got to experience what it would be like in a smoke-filled home and how to get out safely, and a presentation by Chief Blain on safety tips when filling up at a gas station. There were also gifts for children and free refreshments for everyone.
OBIFD is an all-volunteer department which provides fire and medical rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island south of Stevens Corner Road on Route 24, including Long Point, and Mountain Road east of the Ewing Narrows bridge.
For more information on OBIFD or joining the volunteer crew, visit www.obifd.org or the town-wide recruitment and information site at www.harpswellfireandrescue.org.
For more information on OBIFD or joining the volunteer crew, visit www.obifd.org or the town-wide recruitment and information site at www.harpswellfireandrescue.org.