Caribou, Maine – Dry air and gusty winds are raising wildfire concerns across northern and central Maine today, with fire officials urging extra caution through Sunday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a combination of low relative humidity between 40 and 50 percent and sustained winds of 10 to 15 mph—gusting up to 30 mph—will dry out grasses, leaves, and brush across the Central Highlands, Baxter Region, northern Washington County, and eastern Aroostook County. Those conditions make it easier for fires to ignite and spread quickly.
Communities including Presque Isle, Millinocket, Greenville, Lincoln, Houlton, and Dover-Foxcroft are within the elevated risk zone. Campers, landowners, and anyone planning outdoor burns are advised to contact local fire officials before lighting fires. Officials stress that no open flames should be left unattended and that campfires must be completely extinguished before leaving.
The risk will ease later tonight as winds weaken and humidity rises, but officials warn that wildfire conditions could return if dry weather lingers into the week.
