Most of Maine Under Red Flag Fire Warning

Mainers in many counties are advised to use caution with any outdoor burning as the state is under a red flag fire warning.

According to the National Weather Service, a red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are 'either occurring now, or will shortly.' This weekend's expected weather will create 'explosive fire growth potential.' Warm afternoon temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty-dry winds will encourage the spread of wildlife. And, combined with dry, dead grass and fallen branches, it won't take much for a small fire to get out of control.

The Maine Forest Service is asking that people be extremely careful with any outdoor fires. To date, there have been nearly 80 Maine wildfires that have burned a total of 120 acres, and threatened several homes. Most of those fires were caused by people being careless while burning outside. Officials say either the fire gets away from them or they fail to extinguish it and it rekindles the next day.

Remember, you must have a burn permit to do any outdoor burning, and you can get those from your local fire department or at the Maine Forest Service's online site. Officials advise checking with your local fire department before doing any outdoor burning. Folks who want to burn in unorganized townships are advised to contact the Regional Headquarters for the Maine Forest Service, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Augusta at 624-3700, in Old Town at 827-1800, or in Ashland at 435-7963.

The Maine Forest Service has two online resources available for anyone interested in having an outdoor fire, one will send you the predicted class day via email or text message so you know the fire danger each day, and the other is the online burn permit site.

If your outdoor fire does get out of control, the MFS advises calling for help immediately. It's better to have help arrive to find that you've put it out yourself, than to be delayed until it gets out of control.