April 17 – 23 declared Wildfire Awareness Week in Maine

AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills has declared Sunday, April 17, 2022 via Saturday, April 23, 2022 as Wildfire Consciousness Week within the state of Maine and referred to as on all Maine folks to do their half to forestall wildfires. Maine averages over 550 wildfires yearly, over ninety % of that are attributable to folks.

“Stopping wildfires protects our economic system and our surroundings, safeguards property and the security of Maine folks, and preserves our wholesome, productive forests. Everybody can do their half to forestall wildfires within the State of Maine,” stated Governor Mills, in a information launch. “I ask all Maine folks to take this week as a chance to study concerning the methods you’ll be able to defend your own home and your property from wildfires.”

“Eighty-nine % of Maine is forested, and this treasured pure useful resource is ours to guard,” stated Division of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal. “Wildfire Consciousness Week is a vital reminder that almost all wildfires in Maine are attributable to folks and are due to this fact preventable. I invite everybody to extend their consciousness of the methods we are able to all work to forestall wildfires.”

“Maine has skilled over 90 wildfires already in 2022, and heat, dry climate will increase the potential for vital wildfire exercise,” stated Maine State Forester and Director of the Maine Forest Service Patty Cormier. “We every have a task to play in stopping fires, and Wildfire Consciousness Week is the perfect time to prepare and turn into aware about wildfire prevention.”

“Maine’s firefighters and first responders do greater than battle wildfires they defend lives, properties, and companies,” stated Chief Forest Ranger Robby Gross. “There could also be no higher motive to assist stop wildfires than understanding fewer fires imply fewer dangers for our firefighters and first responders to face.”

To discover ways to defend your life, residence, and group, go to www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_protection/firewise/index.html.

To view present wildfire information and exercise, go to https://www.mainefireweather.org

To request a free on-line burn allow, go to https://www.maine.gov/burnpermit