Bangor is defined through its history with fire, most importantly, the one that leveled much of the downtown in 1911. Myriad photos and essays recall, first, how that fire raged out of control, and, later, how the city rebuilt itself. But what do you say about a fire that soon may be forgotten because it was brought under control quickly and caused only limited damage?

How about thank you?

Thank you to the Bangor Fire Department because it swiftly brought knowledge, dedication and equipment Tuesday to the fire at the corner of State and Exchange streets. What is left of the ground floor store at that location, the Extra Touch, is a frightening and sobering reminder of what could have spread to several connecting businesses. The fire was held in check and extinguished Tuesday morning before many people on their way to work even knew it had started. Its cause has yet to be determined.

In the past, Bangor number crunchers, of both the official and volunteer variety, have complained about the budget for the city’s fire department, saying it was over-equipped for a community this size. Maybe it is — or was — but the owners of many downtown businesses no doubt are grateful this week that the department was able to respond quickly and have the resources to keep the fire from doing more damage.

Unless it affects your family home or business, it can be hard to appreciate the investment in a city service like a fire department, which proves its worth by making sure certain events don’t happen. Bangor should be thankful for what didn’t happen Tuesday.