To the editor:

On May 26, 2009, I came home to a woods and brush fire behind our home. You hear about how fast a fire can spread, especially in the dry conditions we have had this spring, but unless you see it, you don't really know. (It's good we have now had some rain.)

Many thanks to Lloyd Cuttler who saw smoke as he drove by, investigated, called in the fire, and then stayed to man a shovel alongside Dutch.

Phil Shurtleff arrived with the first Carrabassett Valley fire truck, soon followed by firefighters and more trucks from Carrabassett, Kingfield and Stratton-Eustis, along with police, sheriff and forest ranger.

The fire was quickly and professionally extinguished, with little damage.

We hear a lot about mutual aid, and I can tell you it works. Thank you to all of the fire responders from Carrabassett Valley and our good neighbors to the north and south. Wonderful!

Joyce Demshar Carrabassett Valley