RICHMOND, ME — On April 11th — In preparation for the impending wildland fire season, the Richmond (ME) Fire Department carried out equipment maintenance and training. Crews went over safety protocols, fire line operations, and brush fire suppression techniques used in wildland occurrences. In order to make sure tools and equipment were prepared for times when fire threat was higher, firefighters routinely checked and maintained their equipment.

According to department officials, Lt. Welch and representatives of the Maine Forest Service provided operational supervision and instruction during the training. The government advised locals to continue adhering to local burn rules amid dry spring weather and to use caution when burning outside.