BANGOR, Maine — As temperatures continue to fall across Maine, public safety crews said heating-related emergencies are starting to climb.

“The colder season brings an uptick and these sorts of calls,” Brewer Fire Chief Erik Tourtillotte said. “Usually it’s the inattention or products not being operated or used properly—whether it’s a heating device for heat or even cooking.”

With furnaces running long hours and wood stoves working overtime, officials warn that even minor missteps can quickly become dangerous. Tourtillotte said the first line of defense is making sure the equipment you rely on all winter is ready for use.

“Furnaces, pellet stoves, propane heaters—if possible, have a professional service them to make sure they are working properly,” he said.

The reminder comes after a p

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