The Firefighter and the Foam
Mac Craig
2025
Watercolor
Mac Craig is an Illustration major with the goal of becoming a freelance illustrator and cartoonist. They’ve always felt a connection to Casco Bay—shaped by time studying in Portland and childhood trips to Wells with grandparents.
The Firefighter and the Foam depicts the effects of the 2024 AFFF spill at Brunswick Landing. My intention for this piece is to evoke the apocalyptic feelings, the fear and confusion of the nearby residents who witnessed this event as well as illustrate the foam flowing into Casco Bay. I want to show the disarray that came with this spill in order to bring attention to AFFF, the harm it brings, and what actions are being taken to stop more events like this from happening.
About “forever chemicals” in AFFF:
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) contains PFAS—synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment. PFAS from firefighting foam can contaminate soil, groundwater, and coastal waters like Casco Bay. These chemicals have been linked to serious health risks and are especially concerning for firefighters and communities near spill sites. The 2024 accidental release of 1,450 gallons of AFFF mixed with over 50,000 gallons of water at Brunswick’s former naval base marked the largest documented AFFF spill in Maine’s history.
Twenty young artists created art centered on the challenges, hopes, and fears for Casco Bay’s past, present, and future.
What happens when a group of young artists turn their talents toward protecting Casco Bay? A new collaboration with MECA&D brought powerful, creative answers.
