By JIM KRAUSE, Contributing Writer
The clang of helmets, flashing lights of fire engines and the hum of excited families filled Biddeford’s Central Fire Station on Saturday as the city’s firefighters welcomed the public for their first open house in seven years.
The department, founded in 1855, rolled out trucks, gear and demonstrations to give residents a rare behind-the-scenes look at life on the front lines of fire and rescue.
“We felt it was time to do it again,” Fire Chief Lawrence Best said. “The reception has been wonderful, and we hope to keep this tradition alive year after year.”
For many, the day was as much about discovery as it was about safety. Children climbed into fire engines, tugged at oversized helmets and tried on miniature coats that hung nearly to the ground. Parents peppered firefighters with questions about equipment, training and what it takes to respond to thousands of calls each year.
The youngest visitors experienced what it’s like to escape a smoky room, crawling on hands and knees through the Fire Safety Smoke House. Others took turns climbing down a second-story window ladder, guided carefully by firefighters waiting below.
“It’s important that kids see these tools in action and know what to do in an emergency,” Best said.
The event featured far more than fire engines and gear. Demonstrations ranged from CPR to fire extinguisher practice, while a “build-your-own” first aid kit station gave families the chance to prepare for emergencies at home.
The day also had lighter moments. Home Depot set up a safety- themed workshop for kids, while balloons and face painting brightened the station floor. Bike helmet fittings encouraged young riders to protect themselves long before a firetruck needs to roll.
Representatives from the Maine Warden Service, York County Emergency Management Agency and the Biddeford Police Department joined in, highlighting the network of agencies that work together when disaster strikes.
This year’s educational theme tied into National Fire Prevention Week, focusing on the hazards of lithium-ion batteries.
“These batteries are everywhere now — in phones, scooters, tools —and if they’re mishandled, they can be dangerous,” Best said. He urged residents to learn safe charging practices, store batteries properly and dispose of them responsibly, adding that anyone uncertain can call the department for guidance.
An increasingly busy department
Behind the community celebration lies the constant reality of an increasingly busy department.
Biddeford firefighters have already answered more than 4,200 calls this year — about 180 more than during the same period last year. The department employs 48 full-time firefighters, 12 on-call staff, four line officers and an administrative assistant. They cover 33 square miles and more than 13 miles of coastline, responding not only to fires but also to rescues, medical emergencies and hazardous materials calls.
Keeping up with the demand is expensive. Outfitting a single firefighter costs about $15,000, and gear must be replaced every 10 years. A new engine runs about $1.1 million, while a tower truck nears $2.5 million. Even ambulances now approach $500,000. Currently a new ambulance and a new engine are on order, but supply chain delays mean it will be about two years before they arrive.
Despite the challenges, the department continues to look outward, offering monthly CPR courses and occasional first aid training to the public.
Inside the Alfred Street station, a museum preserves the history of firefighting in Biddeford. Tours are available by appointment for anyone curious about the city’s past.
For families at Saturday’s open house, though, the day was about something simpler: connection. Children tried on gear, neighbors mingled with firefighters, and parents lingered over vehicle rescue demonstrations that showed the precision behind every response.
“This is what we’re here for — to protect, to teach, and to be part of the community,” Best said.
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Jim Krause is a freelance writer and Biddeford resident.
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