Forest Fires Burn in Northern Maine's Baxter State Park

Summertime can mean lots of things here in the Pine Tree State. Camping, swimming, hiking, bonfires and forest fires. That's right, forest fires DO actually happen here in Maine. As a matter of fact, fire crews from several departments were battling multiple blazes in the Maine woods just yesterday.

Kennebec Journal, the first reported blaze was happening in the woods near Island Falls near Robinson/May Mountain. At last check, that fire was about twenty percent contained. Maine forest rangers were bringing in helicopters to handle some flare ups and they were preparing to execute a 'dozer line' to help tear up a line of earth to virtually stop parts of the fire in its tracks. Maine forest rangers indicated the Island Falls fire had destroyed about 180 acres so far.

Another fire is also currently burning at Maine's historic Baxter State Park. Officials do not have any current information on containment status of this particular fire and have indicated that the fire was expected to be 100 acres in size by nighttime on Thursday (5-22-2020).

These are perfect examples of why it is so incredibly paramount to follow your local town and county's daily wildfire danger report. We're fortunate here in Augusta to have a bog Smokey Bear sign on Route 3 that the Forest Service Keeps updated daily. And remember, always get a permit before you burn, and always check to see what the conditions are going to be for that day.

For up to date wildfire danger levels in all of Maine's sixteen counties, just click here. And remember, only YOU can prevent forest fires.