River Valley Mexico, Byron to discuss fire protection

Eileen M. Adams

Selectmen plan to meet with the Byron board at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 28 to discuss a possible contract to provide fire coverage for Byron. The meeting will be held at the Mexico town hall.

Byron voted to dissolve its department last week. Byron Selectman Anne Simmons-Edmunds plans to meet with Mexico fire Chief Gary Wentzell to inventory all fire-related equipment owned by Byron. The most significant of Byron's fire equipment is a new engine funded by the Department of Homeland Security in 2005.

“We want to see what is needed (here) and what isn't,” she said.

Mexico Town Manager John Madigan said he has discussed the possibility of his town providing coverage for Byron with the Maine Municipal Association, and has learned that any agreement must be approved by the town's lawyer. Prior to the joint meeting of the two boards, Madigan also plans to talk with other towns that may contract fire services.

Also, he said residents of both towns must approve any resulting fire coverage contract at special town meetings.

Wentzell said before 2005 the Byron Fire Department responded to about five calls a year. However, when Byron became a center for all-terrain-vehicle and snowmobile enthusiasts about five years ago, the number of calls doubled.

Simmons-Edmunds had hoped to get a contract in place by the first of the year.In the meantime, the Mexico Fire Department is automatically called  out for any Byron emergency

The nearby Roxbury Fire Department may also play a role in fire protection for Byron.

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Source: http://www.sunjournal.com/river-valley/story/957716

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