Maine Forest Rangers Started The Month Off Fighting Fires, Literally!

It's been a hot summer for most of the state, but Maine's Forest Rangers have been getting down and dirty on these hot, hot days doing the business few of us would ever want to sign up for: fighting wildfires!

Since the beginning of the month, these Rangers have crossed the state from Tunk Lake to Jonesboro, to Chester, to Burnham, and beyond, all to battle blazes started by malfunctioning logging equipment, fiery catalytic converters, lightning strikes, and a whole host of other causes, some of which included poorly extinguished campfires. And they're doing it not only to protect Maine people, but also Maine resources.

"Ranger Wesley Hatch is on the scene of a wildfire with the Howland and Lincoln Fire Departments in Chester. A piece of logging equipment caught on fire, causing the wildfire.

Rangers responded to a wildfire in Day Block Twp this afternoon. The wildfire was contained quickly and started at a timber harvest operation."

"Ranger Martin Huysman investigated a wildland fire on the Centerville Road in Centerville Twp. It was determined that there were actually 4 separate roadside fires. Ranger Huysman located multiple pieces of catalytic converter in the fires."

Many of the places they go are remote and require special modes of transportation. Sometimes they luck out, and there's a body of water nearby from which they can draw water to use to fight the fires.

Read More: Hollis Car Burned From Battery Pack Fire

Other times, they have to rely on overhead assistance or the use of all-terrain vehicles with small holding tanks.

It's pretty amazing to think about the effort they go to to make sure our state remains safe and beautiful.

Get our free mobile app

Currently, the Daily Fire Danger for most of the state has been deemed "moderate," but you wouldn't know that by the sheer volume of fires that have been popping up here and there. What can we do to help these Rangers and be good stewards of this state?

Be aware...of your surroundings, of the conditions on the ground and the weather.

Be vigilant...make sure to fully extinguish any and all campfires or other fires you may have or come across, and if you see smoke or smell smoke, report it.

Become part of the team. Consider a career as a Maine Forest Ranger, and lend your talents to the protection effort.

You can click here to contact your local forest ranger.

Thank you, Maine Forest Rangers, for all that you do to protect this state and the land around us.