Four years ago the members of the East Andover and Andover fire departments met, discussed, and planned our future. The study team commissioned by the Andover Select Board concluded that the fire department would be better as one department. Now it was up to us carry out that plan and see if we could make working together a reality.

The first year we trained and conducted our meetings together but still operated under two commands. At the end of the first year we combined our operations and worked as one department, for all practical purposes we were one team. The plan worked, training intensified, and our fire operations greatly improved.

However, there was one final hurdle to overcome. We needed to combine our two precincts into one district. This task did not belong to your fire department; it was for you, the voters to decide. And with your support, and vote in the affirmative, we are now one district and one fire department.

For many of us this last step is actually the beginning. The last four years were sometimes difficult but not once did we think that our chosen path of one department was the wrong one. When we senior members are no longer able to answer bells we will pass on to our team a strong and motivated department.

I greatly wished that the vote to combine the precincts was unanimous, but that was not the case. To those we disappointed, I will pledge to do my best to maintain a strong well equipped fire department at the least cost to you possible. To everyone, from your team, thank you.

Fire permits are now required for outside burning. Permits are issued if weather and woodlands are wet enough to prevent the spread of fire. The New Hampshire Forest Ranger Service rates fire conditions each day to help local fire wardens keep homeowner brush cleanup from becoming a wildland fire. Under the right conditions a gust of wind can make a campfire a ten acre fire in just thirty minutes.

Call your local forest fire warden to obtain a permit and to find out when conditions are safe to burn. In Andover the Warden is Stephen Barton 735-5984, Deputy Wardens are Chuck Ellis 848-0678, Fred Lance 735-5122, and Rene Lefebvre 934-2197 or at The Andover town office.

Spring is the time of new life and just enjoying a warm day. Please do so, safely.