Maine Fire Service Institute

05/24/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, the MFSI office will be closed on Monday, May 25th.

This day holds special meaning for all of us in public service — a time to honor those in uniform who gave everything so that we could continue the work we do in service to our communities.

Wishing everyone a safe, meaningful, and restful long weekend.

05/18/2026

We mourn the loss of firefighter Andrew Cross and recognize the injuries and profound loss suffered by several first responders who answered the call in service to others. Across Maine, and especially within our close-knit fire and emergency services community, these events are felt deeply and personally. When one department hurts, all departments hurt.

First responders place themselves in harm’s way without hesitation, driven by duty, courage, and an unwavering commitment to protect their communities. The sacrifices made this past Friday serve as a solemn reminder of the risks carried by those who serve.

To our brothers and sisters in Waldo and Knox Counties, and throughout the surrounding region, please know you are not alone. The entire Maine fire service family stands beside you.

From all of us at MFSI and Southern Maine Community College, we offer our prayers, our respect, and our unwavering support to all those affected by this tragedy.

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Photos included were shared by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

05/16/2026

The entire staff of MFSI stand in solidarity with you during this challenging time and extend our sincerest prayers and condolences.

05/15/2026

05/05/2026

Senior State Fire Instructor Eric Watson was recently selected to attend foam training at Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX - Fire and Emergency Services). As new foam technologies continue to evolve, particularly with the transition away from PFAS and PFOA-based products, it is critical that MFSI remains at the forefront of these advancements. Fires will continue to occur that require foam for effective extinguishment, and staying current ensures we are providing the best possible training to Maine’s fire service.

Eric was chosen for this opportunity in recognition of his dedication and professionalism. Thank you, Eric, for your continued commitment, and for taking time away from your family and your profession to support the growth and mission of the Maine Fire Service Institute. Lewiston Fire Department

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MFSI aims to support State Fire Instructors in attending nationally recognized programs such as FDIC International, the National Fire Academy, and specialized crash / rescue courses. These opportunities allow our instructors to bring back the most current knowledge and best practices to better serve firefighters across the State of Maine.

05/05/2026

More about the NFA! Please share this with your organization, friends, and colleagues.

✅ They pay for your travel, instructor, and student material costs and provide lodging, you pay for your meals.
✅ You meet and network with peers from all over the United States.
✅ You meet and learn from top notch instructors.

Apply NOW: https://training.fema.gov/netc_online_admissions/

The National Fire Academy is OPEN for resident classes scheduled through September 30, 2026.

If you are interested in applying for classes to be held now through September, please submit your online application as soon as possible but no later than June 1st. Once courses have been populated, students will be notified of their acceptance/rejection.

Check out this complete list of courses: https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/nfacourses/catalog/search?availability=2

Please share this with your organization, friends, and colleagues.
✅ We pay for your travel, instructor, and student material costs and provide lodging, you pay for your meals.
✅ You meet and network with peers from all over the United States.
✅ You meet and learn from top notch instructors.

Apply NOW: https://training.fema.gov/netc_online_admissions/

If you need help completing your application, don't hesitate to contact our Admissions office by email at [email protected].

05/05/2026

NFA has immediate opens for on-campus programs in Emmitsburg, MD starting May 24. See their post for the list of programs and direct link to apply.

We encourage any State of Maine fire service member to attend the National Fire Academy. As a Maine fire service professional, you are allowed one free on-campus program per year. The only cost is the meal ticket. In addition, the National Fire Academy offers many online programs for your convenience free-of-charge.

The National Fire Academy has immediate openings for classes starting on May 24.

Please apply by Wednesday, May 13 for the following classes:

📖 Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incident Management
📖 Special Operations Program Management and Leadership
📖 Command and Control Decision-Making at Multiple Alarm Incidents
📖 Command and Control of Incident Operations
📖 Hazardous Materials Code Enforcement
📖 Leadership in Supervision
📖 New Executive Chief Officer
📖 Fire Investigation: Forensic Evidence Collection and Documentation

Apply NOW: https://training.fema.gov/netc_online_admissions/

If you need help completing your application, don't hesitate to contact our Admissions office by email at [email protected].

05/04/2026

🔥Propane Prop Safety

MFSI officially wrapped up our first month of propane prop usage for 2026. We have identified heat damage on several props.

SUV Prop
Tutor Prop
System 64

⚠️ A critical reminder for all operators and lead instructors:

• Props must be operated with continuous and adequate water application at all times.
• Do NOT run any prop for more than 10 seconds without water.
• After shutdown, additional cooling must be performed to protect the prop and its components.
• At the end of each evolution, the operator or lead instructor is responsible for confirming sufficient water has been applied to maintain safe temperatures and protect the equipment.

These props are vital to trainings across the state. Thank you for your continued attention and commitment to keeping our equipment and each other safe. 🚒

05/04/2026

Happy International Firefighters Day

05/02/2026

The MFSI team successfully administered a Fire Instructor I & II written and skills examination to the Oxford and Franklin County Programs, with 33 candidates and 11 staff and instructors participating in the assessment process to achieve Pro Board Certification. We are very proud of their efforts.