1. Six Maine fire departments have been cited for safety violations following May’s deadly explosion at the Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont, which killed three people and injured 10 others. Investigators found problems tracking firefighters at the scene and with protective equipment. The state has suspended nearly all of the $108,000 in fines after departments took steps to improve safety. (WMTW)
2. ICE has increased security at its Scarborough facility following reports of vandalism and armed protesters. The agency says the building has been vandalized six times in the past three months. Demonstrations have continued since an ICE agent fatally shot a Colombian man in Biddeford in July. Officials say the additional security does not necessarily indicate increased immigration enforcement in Maine. (WMTW)
3. An Auburn man is facing drug trafficking charges after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase reaching 120 miles per hour on I-295. Police say 44-year-old Lawz Lepenn fled a traffic stop in Bowdoinham before spike strips disabled his vehicle in Augusta. Officers later found him hiding in the woods and recovered more than three pounds of suspected cocaine. He’s being held without bail. (WMTW)
4. The Wild River Fire in the White Mountains near the Maine-New Hampshire border is now 53% contained. The fire has burned 821 acres since November 1st, with 88 firefighters still working to extinguish hot spots and secure containment lines. Officials believe the fire was human-caused, and parts of the forest remain closed. (WMTW)
5. Today is Veterans Day, honoring all Americans who have served in the U.S. military. The holiday also marks the anniversary of the end of World War I. Post offices, government offices and many banks are closed today, while most retail stores remain open. Restaurants including Applebee’s, Chili’s and IHOP are offering free meals to veterans and active-duty military at participating locations.
Made Hot in Maine by the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Accidents happen… to be their specialty. 207-CALL-JOE or online at: joebornstein.com.
