Caribou, Maine –A fast-developing wildfire was detected near Winterville in Aroostook County late Wednesday afternoon after satellite sensors registered a rapid surface temperature spike to 90°F.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, the GOES-19 satellite identified a “hot spot” at approximately 4:26 p.m. EDT in T15 R6 along Route 11. Satellite data indicated that ground temperatures in the area surged from 28°C (83°F) to 32°C (90°F) in just 10 minutes—a strong indicator of active fire behavior.
Roughly 20 minutes after the satellite detection, Maine Forest Rangers confirmed they were en route to a reported wildland fire at the location. The use of satellite thermal imaging is a critical early warning tool for fire detection, particularly in remote forested regions of northern Maine where ground reports may be delayed.
The fire’s proximity to Route 11 may impact travel in the Winterville area, and residents are urged to avoid the region while crews respond. This part of Aroostook County is heavily wooded and vulnerable to springtime fire outbreaks, especially following dry conditions.
Officials have not yet confirmed the fire’s containment status. More updates are expected as the Maine Forest Service continues operations in the area.
