A Unique and Historic City located in Downeast Maine
The word Machias in the Passamaquoddy language means “bad little falls,” a reference to the beautiful yet rugged waterfalls located on the Machias River at the heart of the community. These falls once powered the historic mills that lined the river on its way to the bay. Throughout its history, Machias has relied on the region’s natural resources for growth and prosperity. The waterways and falls played a central role in the lumber trade, fisheries, and the shipping of goods.
A unique blend of past and present, Machias continues to sustain many traditional livelihoods, each rooted in the community’s enduring connection to the land and sea, and to the natural beauty that defines both.
Of balsam and blueberries, lobsters and lighthouses, puffins and whale watching, and sunsets over the bay. More than just the sights, smells, and sounds, it’s a feeling.
This is an Emergency Alert System message from the State of Maine.
At 10:03 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, the Maine Governor’s Office has ordered an immediate quarantine of all towns within a ten-mile radius of Machias, Maine, including Machias, Hoyttown, Marshfield, Whitneyville, and Kennebec. Residents in the affected area must remain inside their homes or current buildings and lock all exterior doors and windows immediately. Do not attempt to travel into, out of, or within the quarantine zone.
State and local emergency personnel are responding. If you are inside the quarantine zone, turn off exterior lights, avoid looking outside when possible, and move to an interior room without windows. If you are outside the quarantine zone, avoid the affected area and follow all instructions from law enforcement and public safety officials.
If you are injured or in immediate danger, call 911. For all other urgent public safety information, monitor this station and official Maine Emergency Management Agency channels. Avoid using social media or phone lines for nonessential communications to keep networks available for emergency responders.
This is a developing situation. Further instructions will be issued as soon as they are available. Repeat: quarantine in effect now for all towns within ten miles of Machias, including Machias, Hoyttown, Marshfield, Whitneyville, and Kennebec. Remain indoors and follow official directions.
This message was issued by the State of Maine Emergency Management Agency.