Limington’s volunteer fire department has been ordered to temporarily stand down because it was recently discovered the group’s fire gear exceeds the 10-year age at which national standards indicate it should be taken out of service.
The town says it has contacted the chiefs of surrounding communities and the state police ensure there’s a mutual-aid response if there’s a fire emergency in Limington. Town officials say they have begun locating and determining the cost of replacement gear and also finding out whether nearby communities have any spare gear.
Limington Selectman Jeff Amatrudo says the town issued the stand-down order out of an abundance of caution.
“For the safety of both the residents and the firefighters, and we’re confident that we’re going to be back up and running in some capacity within a couple days,” he says.
Limington will continue to respond to medical emergencies.