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Loudon fire chief reports multiple building fires, injured firefighter and equipment repairs
Summary
Fire Chief Tom Blanchett reported three building fires in one day, one firefighter transported and released by hospital, and several apparatus maintenance needs including a $12,923 pump repair estimate for Engine 1.
Fire Chief Tom Blanchett told the Board of Selectmen the department responded to three building fires and several medical calls within a roughly six- to seven-hour span recently; one firefighter was evaluated at a hospital and released but remains off duty pending primary care follow-up.
Blanchett reported several equipment and maintenance items: a safety-sensor replacement for the tower emergency system has been ordered from the original manufacturer and an installer from Brunswick is expected this week; Engine 1 has a failed ceramic pump seal, producing significant leakage when pumping, and W.D. Perkins provided an estimate of $12,923 to repair the pump; Engine 2 needs decal work after returning from Lakes Region and is slated for completion Thursday; Ambulance 1 needs replacement of a stretched shifting linkage cable, expected Friday; and the septic pump at Station 2 failed again but was temporarily repaired and a final repair is planned for Thursday.
Blanchett said the Engine 1 repair will probably take two days, possibly three, meaning the truck will be out of service for a short period. He also reported the department is interviewing two live-in student candidates on Thursday (selecting one), and new members continue driver and pump training.
Selectmen asked about the timeline for an ambulance replacement; Blanchett said delivery estimates have varied and the latest projection is September. He added that if an apparatus has a mechanical failure, the department has local support from Bear Brook for repairs.
In personnel business later on the agenda, the board approved a holiday-waiver request for a probationary firefighter to use Memorial Day holiday time despite the employee being within the normal accrual waiting period; Selectman Miller moved the approval and the board voted unanimously.
Blanchett closed by saying he would not take questions at length and that he had no further items.
No formal policy changes were made in the fire chief's report; the board approved repair and personnel follow-ups as recorded at later motions.
