Fire Department

Camp, Pit or Open Fires

Our community sits at the base of literally thousands of acres of woodland. It is our collective responsibility to protect these natural and recreational resources especially from fire. Natural fires may occur because of a lightening strike. Any other fire is likely caused by a human act and is likely preventable using common sense.

Some common actions that frequently cause forest fires:

• An outdoor fire is left unattended.
• An outdoor fire is left burning and not extinguished before retiring for the night.
• A lit cigarette is tossed on the ground.
• Sparks from a large pit fire gets picked up by the wind and sets a nearby tree on fire.

If you are planning a pit fire, it is strongly suggested that you get a permit from the Maine Fire Permit System. This online service allows you to request an open fire burning permit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no cost.

Please note:

• You do not need a fire permit if you have a fire pit or fireplace outside UNLESS it is over 3 feet by 3 feet in size.
• If your fire generates smoke that is considered a nuisance, you may be asked to extinguish the fire.

More information can be found on the Maine Burn Permit System website.

This system notifies our local Fire Chief that a permit has been issued. Consider it a "heads up" to the local department. Nothing more than that.

BE ADVISED: If you fail to get a permit and a truck is dispatched, you might be subject to a fine from the Maine Forest Service.

Useful Community Information

Smoke Detectors:   Contact us about having your smoke detectors checked. This is a service to our community free of charge.

House Numbers:   It is essential that house numbers are uniform & visibly posted for emergency personnel to locate your property. Ask us about getting your house number today!

New and Updated Equipment:   In December we purchased the Snowbulance. In May we took delivery of an extractor which is an industrial washer that cleans fire gear. This was purchased using grant-supplied funds. We also received a trailer from the Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency. The dock we use for the Fire Boat has been rebuilt.

Pending Grants:   In the pipeline are new firefighter boots ($800 per pair), updated first-aid kits and flashlights. Also pending is a grant for a snowmobile, snowmobile trailer and battery generator.

Here Are Seven Ways You Can Share Your Time & Talents

Become a Volunteer:   The Bowerbank Fire Department needs volunteers for a variety of support tasks. No matter which way you choose to get involved, we will work with you to ensure the time commitment works for you! Please reach out to us to discuss the ways in which you would like to get involved.

Become a Volunteer Firefighter:   We URGENTLY need additional volunteers to assist our department. We will work with you to ensure you receive the necessary training & certifications to become a volunteer firefighter. The Bowerbank Fire Department will pay for your training fees!

EMT/Paramedic:   Are you an EMT or Paramedic, or do you have interest in pursuing your EMT certification? Talk to us today to join our team!

Fundraising Events:   Did you know that many or our projects and special equipment are 100% funded through fundraising and grant writing efforts? The Bowerbank Fire Boat is just one of these projects and is one-of-a-kind in Piscataquis County. You can help support projects like the Fire Boat by contributing your time to volunteer at our many fundraising events including the Annual Yard Sale and Derby Dine N’ Dash.

Grant Writing:   We can use your help in identifying and writing grant proposals. In the last year, we applied for 7 grants and received 2 awards with 2 still pending.

Donate:   Support our volunteer Fire Department by making a cash donation. Your donation will ensure our department continues to serve the residents of Bowerbank and the surrounding area with highly trained volunteer personnel and top-of-the-line fire suppression equipment. Ask about our eligibility for corporate matching funds.

Can Trailer:   Drop your cans and bottles in the can trailer at the Bowerbank Fire Station to support our fundraising efforts! These donations are used to purchase gear for the firefighters and equipment. Seventy-five percent of the cost of the Snowbulance was funded by can and bottle donations. Small donation go a long way!