Brownville Fire Rescue

06/19/2026

Help us welcome Firefighter/EMT Kelsey Robinson home. She’s been deployed with the military since last fall & had her deployment extended several times due to the world conflicts.

We are extremely excited & happy to have Kelsey back on US soil, and are so proud of her for serving our country!

Welcome Home Kelsey!!

06/14/2026

What do you do on a Thursday evening ? Well some of your neighbors get together on Thursdays for meetings, trainings & to make sure all the emergency equipment is ready to go for the next call .

Responding to emergencies is just one small part of what the dedicated men & women of the Brownville Fire Rescue do. Countless hours are spent training, cleaning , performing Maint & readiness checks on all the apparatus, saws, air packs, medical equipment, and the stations .

Here is a small display of what they did last Thursday. All emergency apparatus was checked, pumps circulated, small tools & saws run. Some forestry hose bags repacked & a few folks built a new hose drying rack that was purchased with funds from the Fire Association fund raising events .

Thank you to all our members, & their families (your neighbors) for all you do to keep our community safe.

06/14/2026

The Office of State Fire Marshal is saddened to learn of the passing of 76-year-old Wayne Woodbury on Sunday morning June 14, 2026 at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury was among the many firefighters and emergency responders who responded to the May 15, 2026, fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont.

The Office of State Fire Marshal extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the members of the Searsmont Fire Department during this difficult time. The investigation into the Robbins Lumber fire remains ongoing.

06/13/2026

Fire departments are struggling to recruit volunteer firefighters. Here's what you need to know about the nationwide shortage https://www.investigatetv.com/2026/06/11/volunteer-firefighter-shortage-threatens-communities-nationwide/

06/13/2026

Maine EMS must manage controlled meds independently due to new DEA rules. Some expect $30K in costs. How will this change local emergency response?

06/12/2026

⚠️🔋 LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES AND HEAT: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday devices, including phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, and battery packs. While generally safe, they can become dangerous if exposed to excessive heat.

☀️ Why is heat a concern?

When a lithium-ion battery becomes too hot, its internal temperature can rise rapidly. In some cases, this can lead to thermal runaway — a chain reaction inside the battery that generates more heat, releases flammable gases, and may result in fire or explosion.

🚗 Vehicles and direct sunlight

The temperature inside a parked vehicle can become much hotter than the outside air, especially under direct sunlight. Batteries left on dashboards, seats, or near windows may be exposed to temperatures beyond their recommended operating range.

🔍 Can sunlight through glass start a fire?

Direct sunlight passing through glass can concentrate heat in certain areas, increasing temperatures significantly. While sunlight alone does not typically cause a healthy lithium-ion battery to ignite, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can damage the battery and increase the risk of failure.

✅ Battery Safety Tips

• Store batteries in a cool, dry place
• Avoid leaving batteries in parked vehicles for extended periods
• Keep batteries away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Use the manufacturer’s recommended charger
• Stop using batteries that are swollen, damaged, leaking, or overheating
• Charge batteries on a non-combustible surface whenever possible

❌ Do not leave batteries on dashboards, windowsills, or other areas exposed to intense sunlight.

A lithium-ion battery fire can develop quickly and is difficult to extinguish once thermal runaway begins.

🔥 A simple habit can help prevent a serious fire: Keep lithium-ion batteries cool, protected, and out of direct sunlight.

06/05/2026

Logging company reporting a large forest fire crowning up in the trees in Brownville in Piscataquis county a forest ranger helicopter is on scene fire fighters hiking in they don't have immediate access it's a very remote fire the contractor estimated the fire was 4-5 acres as of a 6:10 PM Brownville and Milo units still committed forestry with extensive operation,air drops are in place,crews are in the woods crews will be on scene for a extensive amount of time

06/04/2026

Good Morning , today’s fire danger day is classified as high in zone 5, which is where Brownville is located.

Open burning permits will not be available on line or in person today .

Thank you for your understanding & cooperation.

06/01/2026

🚨 WHERE DO YOU CHARGE YOUR PHONE? 🚨

Many people charge their phones on beds, couches, or even under pillows—especially at night.

While modern phones and chargers have built-in safety features, charging on soft surfaces can trap heat and reduce ventilation.

🔥 Why does this matter?

Pillows, blankets, and mattresses are combustible materials. If a charger, cable, battery, or device develops a fault, the trapped heat can increase the risk of overheating and potentially start a fire.

⚠️ The risk becomes higher when using:
❌ Damaged charging cables
❌ Counterfeit or low-quality chargers
❌ Damaged or swollen batteries
❌ Devices covered by blankets or pillows while charging

✅ Charge safely:
• Place devices on a hard, stable surface
• Use original or certified chargers
• Replace damaged cables immediately
• Keep charging devices away from bedding and other combustibles
• Install working smoke alarms in your home

💡 Fire Safety Reminder:
A phone charger should not normally ignite bedding by itself. However, faulty equipment, damaged batteries, and trapped heat can create dangerous conditions that increase fire risk.

A simple change in charging habits can help keep your home and family safe. 🚒🔥

Where do you usually charge your phone? Let us know in the comments.

05/31/2026

Maine Chiefs, although this one is shared in NH, this grant applies to all of us in Maine also .

Go to the Maine Fire Maine Fire Chiefs Association web page or the New England Division of the IAFC’s web page for more information.

Connect with local fire departments to become a Volunteer Firefighter. Enjoy benefits & support. Join us today!