Richmond (ME) Fire Department

07/13/2026

New details for the severe weather risk on Tuesday:

Risk and intensity of threat has risen.

Clusters of severe thunderstorms that will have the opportunity to include damaging wind gusts, large hail and tornadoes are going to come down from Canada into northern New England, especially Maine.

Greatest chance in the “hatched area/lines”

Timing:

Afternoon and evening into the overnight.

I’m writing a premium weather blog and updating Jason’s Maine Storm Desk tracking the impacts on the Jason Nappi Weather App.

07/06/2026

Our hearts are with Andrew, his family and loved ones, those fortunate to have known him and worked alongside him, and the many communities affected by this profound loss. Please keep them all close to your heart during this immensely difficult time.

It is with profound sadness and hope in the Resurrection that we share the news that Andrew Tucker Williams died unexpectedly on July 5, 2026 at the age of 25.

Andrew was born on May 8, 2001, the youngest of seven children born to the v. Rev. Chad and Cindy Williams. He was a very talented young man who excelled in everything he put his mind to. He was an accomplished iconographer from an early age. He was tonsured a Reader for St. Alexander Nevsky Church where he served faithfully and sang beautifully for many years. He studied at Kennebec Valley Community College and received his EMT license at the age of 17, and began working with Richmond Fire and with Winthrop EMS. He went on to become a licensed paramedic. He began working for Gardiner Fire and Rescue in July of 2020 and continued his involvement with Richmond Fire, where he served for a time as Deputy Chief. In July of 2025 he left his position with the City of Gardiner to become a contract paramedic. He spent time in Peoria, IL, and in Haiti, where he was involved with providing medical care for those working with the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces Gang Suppression Mission.

Andrew had many close friends who he treasured and loved spending time with. He enjoyed nature and in recent months enjoyed beautiful rides on his motorcycle.

Andrew is survived by his parents, his 6 siblings and their spouses, the Rev. Nathan and Anna Williams, Catherine and Nathanael Smith, Aaron, the Rev. Anthony and Bridget Williams, Joanna and the Rev. Ephraim Willmarth, and Christina and Thomas McKay. He is also survived by 25 adoring nieces and nephews and a very large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him very much.

A funeral service will be served on Wednesday, July 8 at 10 a.m., at St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Church, 15 Church St., Richmond, ME, followed by burial in the church cemetery on Beedle Rd. in Richmond. Following the burial a memorial luncheon will be held at Enterprise Grange, 15 Alexander Reed Rd. in Richmond, to which all are welcome.

06/14/2026

This afternoon you may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles in towns along the I-295 corridor as the procession travels from Maine Medical Center to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Augusta. As always, please use caution when passing a stopped emergency vehicle.

The Office of State Fire Marshal is saddened to learn of the passing of 76-year-old Wayne Woodbury on Sunday morning June 14, 2026 at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury was among the many firefighters and emergency responders who responded to the May 15, 2026, fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont.

The Office of State Fire Marshal extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the members of the Searsmont Fire Department during this difficult time. The investigation into the Robbins Lumber fire remains ongoing.

06/13/2026

Today, June 13th from 9:30 though early afternoon, the fire department will be conducting a training exercise with the local Civil Air Patrol squadrons. This exercise will take place at the Town Public Works facility and the wood line between that and the School property next to it. There will be planes, drones, and personnel in that area working to find a simulated lost individual. We just want to provide the reason these aircraft and people are operating in that area and reduce any concerns.

05/15/2026

05/12/2026

Burn permits will not be issued today.

May 12, 2026: The daily fire danger rating is High today for all of the state of Maine, except Zone 1 (far northwest Maine). This is due to forecasted gusty winds and low relative humidity. No online burn permits will be issued in Zones 2-12.

05/11/2026

We extend our condolences to our friends at West Bath Fire/Rescue

05/09/2026

Today’s fire danger is High, despite rain in the forecast. Burning permits will not be issued today.