Biddeford Fire Department – THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

NOTE: This story has been updated in order to clarify that city of Biddeford has not had any formal discussions with the owners of the Biddeford Pool volunteer fire station. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

It is an idea that has been discussed for nearly a decade, but it now appears that momentum is increasing to finally create a full-time substation of the Biddeford Fire Department somewhere on the eastern side of the city.

According to Biddeford Fire Chief Lawrence Best, the overall goal is to reduce emergency response times in areas from the intersections of the Guinea Road, easterly, along both Pool and West streets, toward the coastal neighborhoods of Hills Beach, Granite Point, Fortunes Rocks and Biddeford Pool.

During an interview with the Gazette last week, Best said he is looking at multiple location options.

*Biddeford Fire Department Chief Larry Best (City photo)*

Two of the most talked about options include converting the privately-owned Biddeford Pool volunteer firehouse; and purchasing a parcel of land now owned by the University of New England (UNE) near the intersection of Pool Street and Newtown Road.

A little more than three years ago, former mayor Alan Casavant created a committee taskforce to review potential sites and various ways to improve emergency response times.

Ward One City Councilor Pat Boston represents that part of the city, a role she held previously before taking a hiatus from serving on the council.

Boston also served on the task force created by Casavant.

“It was always about response times, and that is what drove the bulk of our conversations,” she said.

Best told the Gazette that emergency response times should not exceed a window of more than four to six minutes, at least 90 percent of the time for all calls.

Best also says that the easterly part of the city has seen an increase in demand for service, including an average of 160 calls per year from the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.

Boston quoted former city councilor Norman Belanger, saying that public safety is one of the three major functions the city should provide.

“Response times are important,” Boston said. “But it’s also important to remember that there is a substantial cost involved. Whichever option we choose we need to make sure that choice addresses both current and future needs.”

Boston says she likes the idea of converting the Biddeford Pool Fire station into a full-time, 24-7 substation staffed and operated by the city, but said she is also keeping an open mind about other potential locations.

Best describes the 30-acre parcel owned by UNE as his ‘Plan A” site but concedes that there are several potential issues that could limit or prevent future development.

“That site has some vernal pools and wetlands that would not be appropriate for development,” Best said. “As the fire chief, it is my responsibility to keep an eye out for all the options.”

Best said there would be a significant cost associated with converting the privately owned Biddeford Pool fire station into a full-time “livable station.”

“We are not having any formal discussions with the Biddeford Pool Improvement Association at this time, Best said. “I have had a couple of high-level concept discussions, but nothing formal.”

He says that the Biddeford Pool option would not necessarily meet the objectives of reducing response times in other parts of eastern Biddeford, including homes along the Guinea Road and Hills Beach Road, which cuts through UNE’s campus.

Best made a detailed presentation about the ongoing discussions and goals of creating an eastern fire substation a few weeks ago during the Dec. 16 Biddeford City Council meeting.

Best told the council that the UNE property continues to be the preferred location for a substation given its location and travel routes. “A majority of the fire/EMS calls in this area can be reached from this location within the national standard response time of four to six minutes,” he said.

Where are we, and where do we want to go?

Best joined the Biddeford Fire Department as its new chief in 2023.

The city’s Central Fire station still lives up to its name today because of its central location even as the city expands in both an easterly and westerly direction, Best said.

Today, Best describes his department as “fully staffed” with a total of 52 full-time employees, including 48 employees trained as both firefighters and paramedics, including EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians).

“I am all about efficiency and saving the city money,” Best said. “All of our firefighters have dual training. This gives us the flexibility we need to handle every call for service.”

______________

“I am all about efficiency and saving the city money.”

— Fire Chief Larry Best

______________

Current response times to the eastern part of the city can take 12 to 14 minutes. “That is a long time to wait if you’re in an emergency situation,” Best said.

Best said Biddeford has “outstanding” mutual aid agreements in place with several surrounding communities.

“This job requires me to be vigilant and always scanning the horizon for new opportunities and planning ahead for potential challenges,” he said.

Best said he is looking forward to an upcoming workshop meeting with the mayor and city council.

“A workshop meeting is a more relaxed setting than a regular council meeting,” Best said. “This will give the council an opportunity to ask questions and for us to make sure that they have all the information they need or want.”

Editor’s Note: You may view and/or download the Dec. 16 presentation to the city by clicking the link below.

Fire Station PDF Download

______________

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

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.

*Trying on firefighter gear are Camden (7) and Lincoln (2). (Krause photo)*

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.

*Firefighters demonstrate rescue techniques and fire extinguisher use.*

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.

*Nathan Press and his son participate in a CPR demonstration.*

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.

_____________

Jim Krause is a freelance writer and Biddeford resident.

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

Tag: Biddeford Fire Department

Eastern fire substation moving through review process

Fire Department connects with community