Words can't even begin to describe the appreciation I and the Island community have for those who have responded to the Bluenose Fire Thursday afternoon, February 10.

This effort took more than an Island! With all of the firefighters responding, crews from Penobscot and Waldo Counties back-filled to cover responding departments, so no one was without coverage.

The professionalism of the responding Fire Departments was apparent as they worked together seamlessly to attack the fire. You can tell the hours of training paid off.

Police closed off roads and assisted in securing the area. Dispatchers triaged all the calls, while still providing all the support needed.

Ambulance services were nearby, in the event that they were needed.

It was amazing to watch everything come together in the wake of a tragedy.

And when we put out the call for food and drink for those fighting the fire you delivered and how! At 7:05 PM when I spoke with the dispatchers at the Bar Harbor Fire and Police departments they told me they were overwhelmed with donations. They assured me that they would reach out if they needed anything, and I told them that I was confident that you would deliver!

Now, if you still want to help, here are some things you can do!

  1. Volunteer to be a firefighter or assist your local fire department! The departments are woefully understaffed and don't have enough volunteers. You will be trained. You don't have to be an interior firefighter. There are enough jobs for everyone! Talk to your local fire department and ask them how you can help!
  2.  While they don't need any food now, they will later. Check with your local fire department and offer to bring them a home-cooked meal. Call the local dispatch (non-emergency number please) or email the Chief and ask when you can bring something by.
  3. If you have young children have them make a card or note and thank the firefighters! You'd be surprised how much the members of the department will appreciate that!
  4. The next bean supper or pancake breakfast that the department hosts, make sure you attend and thank the members in person
  5. Support their budgets when it comes to town meetings.

While you couldn't be at the scene today, I was and I want to share the photos that I took of these brave men and women in action today. They will be on scene throughout the night and into much of Friday. Please join me in thanking them for their service.

Bluenose Fire February 10

Fire struck the Annex behind the Bluenose Inn in Bar Harbor on Thursday afternoon February 10th. Firefighters from all over Hancock County responded with firefighters from Penobscot and Waldo Counties coming down to backfill the stations of those companies responding

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