Firefighters in Sanford and Kennebunk are overburdened by numerous crises; mutual aid responds to medical calls, gas leaks, and fires.

A first-alarm fire and multiple emergency incidents on Tuesday stretched local fire resources, prompting a full mobilization of Sanford personnel and mutual aid from neighboring towns, according to a social media post by Kennebunk Fire-Rescue.

Kennebunk Fire-Rescue (KFR) sent an engine to assist at the Sanford fire, while on-duty crews, off-duty personnel, and call force members managed simultaneous calls.

At one point, only chief officers were available to respond to the gas leaks. The department reported that no personnel remained for additional calls.

KFR credited the coordinated response of “The Village” — the tri-town collaboration of Arundel, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport — for helping cover the surge in emergencies.

“This is what mutual aid is all about,” KFR said in the post.

Officials urged the public to avoid affected areas and allow emergency crews to operate safely. No injuries were reported as of Tuesday afternoon.