CARIBOU, Maine — Five firefighting teams from northern and central Aroostook went head to head Saturday, with Van Buren Fire Department scoring the biggest points out of them all.
For the first time since 1991, Caribou Fire & Ambulance hosted the Aroostook County Firefighters Muster. Firefighters from Caribou blocked off a section of Bennett Drive and provided demonstrations prior to the teams showcasing their skills in four competitions.
This year’s muster featured fire departments from Van Buren, Frenchville, North Lakes Fire & Rescue, Presque Isle, Easton and Mars Hill. Teams of five firefighters each raced against the clock, performing firefighting duties such as hooking up and spraying hoses at top speed.
Departments from Mapleton, Fort Fairfield, Stockholm and Limestone were also on hand to showcase modern and antique trucks. Limestone took home prizes for best antique truck and best mission-ready truck. Easton Fire Department received the sportsmanship award.
Van Buren firefighters Kyle Whittle (left) and Dean Cormier launch fire from a hose during the Aroostook County Firefighters Muster on Saturday. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
Caribou’s famous 100-year-old pumper, Old Engine One, also made an appearance and gave local children a chance to splash around underneath a spray of water.
Caribou firefighter Scott Michaud said that his department was glad to host one of the region’s largest musters since before the pandemic.
“The firefighters are proud of their respective departments and a little competition gives them a chance to show their pride,” Michaud said. “It also lets them have a little fun in a profession that’s very serious and dangerous.”
Mars Hill firefighters Gavin Miller (left) and Jeff Boyington spray water from a hose during the Aroostook County Firefighters Muster in Caribou Saturday. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
Van Buren’s total time for all competitions came to seven seconds, making that team the winner. The team also took home the best marching unit award for its part in the muster parade.
The individual competition results are as follows:
Dry-Line Event
First Place: Van Buren Fire Department, 22.4 seconds
Second Place: Mars Hill Fire Department, 22.8 seconds
Third Place: Presque Isle Fire Department, 26.7 seconds
Wet-Line Event
First Place: Presque Isle Fire Department, 139.4 seconds
Second Place: Frenchville Fire Department/North Lakes Fire & Rescue, 145.9 seconds
Third Place: Van Buren Fire Department, 210.9 seconds
Search & Rescue
First Place: Van Buren Fire Department, 106.3
Second Place: Mars Hill Fire Department, 112.7
Third Place: Presque Isle Fire Department, 124.4
Sprinklers
First Place: Mars Hill Fire Department, 147.1 seconds
Second Place: Van Buren Fire Department, 227.9 seconds
Third Place: Frenchville Fire Department/North Lakes Fire & Rescue, 242.9 seconds
