Local firefighters join in battle of recent forest fires
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Rangers with the Maine Forest Service, Aroostook division, joined other firefighters last week, battling fires in Quebec and northern Maine. Several flew out on Wednesday, Aug. 1, bound for Canada where they expect to remain for about two weeks. Those in Maine responded to a fire deep in the heart of the North Maine Woods, in northern Piscataquis County, which was believed to have started by a lightning strike a few weeks ago.
“This fire was started by a lightning strike on July 14. Maine Forest Rangers use a satellite-based lightning detection system provided by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Although all lightning strikes detected do not indicate that a fire has started, it does give us a tool to use in directing our detection efforts,” said William Greaves, regional ranger, based in Ashland.
Greaves said since the Forest Service discontinued the use of fire watch towers, civilian pilots have played a major role in fire detection.
“Currently we use the Civil Air Patrol to conduct air detection flights throughout Maine. On July 31, CAP flight 1740 discovered the fire at 3:30 p.m. and reported it to the Maine Forest Service Ashland dispatch. This fire is located east of Cliff Lake in T8 R11 WELS in a remote area of northern Maine. Forest Ranger Mike McGary and a Maine Forest Service helicopter responded to the incident with assistance from three Allagash Wilderness Waterway rangers and several Seven Island foresters. The fire was contained by evening at two acres,” said Greaves.
“On Aug.1, hot shots from the East Branch District and Aroostook Waters District, two Seven Islands foresters and Ranger McGary were mopping up. The fire had smoldered for two weeks burning deep into the duff and old tree stumps. Mop-up and daily patrols will continue until the fire is declared extinguished,” he said.
Along with CAP flights and lightning detection, Greaves said they also use a “FIRMS fire detection program.”
“This is a satellite-based fire detection system which can detect larger fires and send automated messages to rangers,” he said.
More firefighters from Aroostook County were being sent to assist with another fire in a remote forested area of Piscataquis County on Monday near Chamberlain Lake, T6, R13. The fire is believed to be the result of a lightning strike.
Greaves indicated the MFS relies heavily on public input when it comes to locating fires.
Although Maine forest rangers use the most modern methods of fire detection, we still receive the most number of reports from the public. If you would like to report suspicious smoke or a fire, call one of the Maine Forest numbers or your local fire department,” said Greaves.
Members of the Ashland Fire Department and Aroostook Fire Protection District I (which provides service to Fort Fairfield, Limestone, Loring and Caribou) also assisted the Maine Forest Service in fighting the forest fire.
FMI or to report a fire, call 435-7963 days; after hours fire emergency number is 888-900-3473.
