1997 proved to be another busy year for the Fire Department. We responded to 82 calls for our assistance, with types ranging from Emergency Medical assistance calls through Structure Fires. We noted a dramatic increase in the number of Grass and Forestry related calls this year. We attribute this to the lower than average rainfall coupled with higher average winds. These factors tend to enhance the drying of the wooded and grasslands increasing the danger of fire.

During 1997, we responded to the following calls:
Structure Fires 10 Hazardous Materials 7
Chimney Fires 8 False Alarms 7
Mutual Aid 5 Smoke Investigations 7
Grass Fires 5 Forestry 10
Motor vehicle Accidents 6 Furnace/Heating 1
Refuse Fires 5 Assist the Police 5
Assist Public Works 2 EMS/Assist Ambulance 2
Motor vehicle Fire 2

We received the final report from the Insurance Underwriters this summer regarding the insurance classification for our Towns fire protection. I am very proud to report that we were assigned a rating of 5 on a scale of 10. This represents a 2 point increase in our previous rating and will show each of the residents a savings in their fire insurance. A class 5 rating is traditionally the best rating that an all volunteer Fire Department can be assigned.

The Southwest Harbor Fire Association kicked into high gear the last year, holding many benefit events and participating in many community related projects including those for Harbor House and the preparations for the “Storm of the Century” movie. Through their efforts, fund drives for much needed programs and equipment has been very successful and the well thought out plans for future projects promises much success. I thank President Rob Geiser and his staff for their time and dedication and wish them well with all their goals

Plans are still in the works to find a new Home for the Fire Department. Workshops have been ongoing and We have hopes that this project can be completed in short order to allow us to keep all our equipment under cover and in town. We thank the Somesville Fire Company for their hospitality in housing Engine 104 for the winter months.

While this seasons wacky weather has not had the devastating effect that other parts of the country have had to suffer, the potential exists for directly related problems to arise. Specifically, during the traditional spring forest fire season, damage from the Ice storm and other paltry weather has left us with unusually dry grass and much dead wood now laying on the ground. Even with the record setting rains, it will not take much to dry out our woods and set the stage for dangerous conditions. We caution all to be careful with all outside burning. A burning permit is required for all Outside Burning, and a separate permit is required for each area that will be burned. In addition, the state is now requiring that all refuse/burn barrels, outside stoves, and any other container that will be used outside to burn in, to be inspected and a burning permit issued. Pleas contact the Fire Station at 244-7911 for further information.
I would like to personally thank all the Officers and members of the Fire Department and the Fire Association for their time and dedication for another successful year. All the equipment and good intentions are worthless with out you people to put your lives on the line and your personal lives on hold to help your neighbors. There is no value that can be assigned to this dedication.

Respectfully Submitted
Chief Samuel T. Chisholm
Southwest Harbor Fire Department