In the Month of August, the Maine Forest Service reported 251 fires burning a total of 114.4 acres. As of September 8th, 17 wildfires had been reported, burning a total of 3.5 acres. โItโs been dry as of late,โ says Matthew Russell, a firefighter and EMT in Caribou. On Monday, the fire danger level throughout the state of Maine has started to go down; however, it is high once again throughout the state of Maine. Forest Fire Prevention Specialist Terri Teller says it is likely due to drought conditions. Caribou firefighter and EMT Mathew Russell says the rain we have had just hasnโt been enough.
โWhat we need is a good rain. And we have had some rain in the past couple of weeks but the ground is so saturated – that vegetation – that fire load has just been really dried out. So itโs really absorbing in we could really use a little bit more,โ says Russell. Russell says low fire danger levels this time of year are a result of the morning dew. โWhen the sun warms up, itโs creating that dew. You can see it in the fields quite a bit this time of year. So, it puts a little bit of moisture on the vegetation, but usually about mid-afternoon, itโs all dried up,โ says Russell.
Although the dew doesnโt impact heavier fuels like branches and downed trees, it does impact what firefighters call โlight fuelsโ like dry grass, leaves, and pine needles, which we see more of this time of year. โThe leaves are starting to change. They are starting to die off. You are going to get a lot more loose debris around homes, and as these seasonal plants die off, they are going to become a fire risk,โ says Russell. Russell urges residents to use caution if they plan to burn outdoors.
โCheck with the Fire Department. Make sure to check the fire danger level and that we have the resources available to respond in case there is an emergency with your open burn,โ says Russell. Russell urges anyone doing outdoor burning to get a permit and never leave a fire unattended. He adds residents should also clear at least 50 feet of debris around their homes to reduce the risk of an out-of-control fire.
