Facts about Wildfires

Wildfires in Maine

Ninety (90%) of all wildfires in Maine are caused by people and are preventable. Only lightning caused fires cannot be prevented. Escaped debris burning continues to be the number one cause, with arson second.

Most wildfires in Maine are surface fires that creep along the ground. Although torching of trees occurs occasionally, crown fires are rare.

Maine's wildfire season usually begins in March in coastal and southern sections, gradually extending to central, western and northern areas. The wildfire season usually ends in late November. The majority of wildfires usually occur in April and May, when home owners are cleaning up from the winter months, and when the majority of vegetation is void of any appreciable moisture making them highly flammable. Once "green-up" takes place in late May to early June, the fire danger usually is reduced somewhat.

Preparing for a wildfire PSA - The difference from Firewise.org