Top 5 Ways You Can Help Prevent Maine Forest Fires

The weather is extremely dry and warm right now and will be for the next couple of weeks according to, WGME Channel 13.

A brush fire took place recently in Cumberland on Wednesday. This fire is currently being investigated by officials, as the article states. It's been reported that officials were working on this for a while because the blaze did spread into the woods and reached up to 100 feet.

This happened because the weather has been extremely dry and warm which could lead to a higher risk of brush fires in Maine, according to the article.

Dry Grass via Unsplash

This is very dangerous, and if you have to burn anything, leaves and such, it's vital to grab a permit because if you don't you may start a brush fire that spreads, according to WGME.

Windham Fire Chief Brent Libby gives some pointers in the article on decreasing the chances of a brush fire at your own home by saying,

"Check with their local jurisdiction and make sure they can burn, it gets away from them, call early, don't try and put it out themselves, never use an accelerant when trying to get your fire started
Chief Libby, Windham Fire, WGME

He adds that you should not use accelerants because that is often the main reason that brush fires start and then spread, which causes damages and injuries, according to the article.

According to Wikipedia, are a variety of accelerants that you should stay away from in order to keep your property and yourself self such as butane, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene and other flammable solvents.

The time of day is also very important to know because if you are burning when the dry air is present then it could possible cause a fire, as the article states. Make sure to burn when the humidity and moisture is highest in the air, like early in the morning or late at night. The middle of the day is the worst time to burn as Chief Libby states.

I found a very helpful list from The U.S. Department of Interior on tips to help you with burning during the dry season.

Below is a list of 5 helpful tips to be aware of if you are considering burning anything soon.