Maine Forest Rangers Remind Us Of Things To Learn Before You Burn

The warmer weather brings several wonderful benefits, but it also brings a higher risk for wildfires in Maine, according to experts.

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Having seen an increase recently in the number of wildfires in the state, Maine lawmakers recently passed and updated laws surrounding outdoor burning, and you're going to want to familiarize yourself with them.

First, there's now a law on the books that says if you plan to have a larger fire outside, you're going to need a permit for it.

There's also been an update to the law regarding Red Flag Warnings.

According to weather.gov "A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.  "

Maine Forest Rangers are reminding folks that a new state law makes it illegal to have any kind of outdoor fire when Red Flag Warnings have been issued.

Red Flag 30 Kent from Andrew Collar on Vimeo.

According to Maine.gov, the Wildfire Danger Report has our area of the state at a "High" level of risk, at the moment.

To give you an idea of why these laws have been put into place, just take a look at what crews had to deal with just last week. Forest Rangers responded to fires in almost 20 different towns in the span of one day.

In a state made up mostly of trees, you're going to want to pay attention to the risks and follow the guidelines.

You can check the local conditions and Red Flag warnings by clicking this link, Mainefireweather.org.

Stay safe out there!