RUMFORD – The first time the new steam furnace came on, along with it came a bit of steam and dust at the River Valley Technology Center.

Cindy Kelley, technology center spokeswoman, said the contractors finished installing the heating system about 4:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., the Rumford Fire Department was called.

Deputy Chief Scott Holmes said the heat detector apparently went off due to a malfunction in the new system. Perhaps, he thinks, the detector was too close to the pipes, or the system had yet to work out a few glitches.

Steam and a little dust filled the tech center for a short time, but no damage was reported, said Holmes and Kelley.

The department’s ladder truck and pumper responded to the call, but neither was needed. Ten firefighters also responded. Holmes said the alarm system was reset. The scene was cleared in about 40 minutes.

Holmes said Monday night’s incident was the first time the Fire Department had been called to the tech center.

Kelley said the heating system’s contractors made the necessary adjustments.