OTISFIELD – A recent structure fire on a narrow, dirt road pointed up the need for all responders to take care of their vehicles, selectmen were told Wednesday.

Otisfield Fire Department Safety Officer Patricia Dyer-Haggerty gave selectmen a letter outlining her concerns following the Oct. 27 fire at the home of Ronald Packard on the Tamworth Road.

They were as follows:

• that firefighters responding in personal vehicles keep their vehicles off the road so they don’t impede safe passage of firetrucks and other emergency vehicles;

• that all fire vehicles be manned at all times, so if they need to be moved they can be moved quickly; and

• that steps be taken to ensure that clear directions to a fire scene are given by Oxford County Regional Communications Center.

Dyer-Haggerty said firetrucks were unable to pass because of an unoccupied PACE ambulance in the middle of the road. The ambulance had to be moved by non-PACE personnel, and was moved three times, she said, eventually leaving it a long distance from the scene.

She said PACE was informed of the incident and assured her that leaving an ambulance unattended is not part of the PACE policy.

Selectmen asked her what action she wanted them to take with the letter. She said she simply wanted it to be made part of the record so that the proper safety policies would be followed in the future.