NEWCASTLE, Maine — A Patriots Day tradition of touching off a cannon nearly turned disastrous Monday when the blast ignited pine needles and brush on Station Road.
Maine Forest Service Lt. Jeffrey Currier said the fire was extinguished quickly by the Newcastle Fire Department and personnel from the Maine Forest Service, who had just left the scene of a serious fire in Nobleboro that burned a home and attached garage flat overnight Sunday.
Currier said the Newcastle fire was ignited by the cannon’s wadding, which is material placed between the device’s gunpowder and cannon ball before firing.
“It comes out pretty hot,” said Currier.
The wadding hit some dry pine needles, which sparked a fire. The homeowner, James Hudson, immediately called 911.
“I’ve got to commend the guy. He was very quick,” said Currier. “He tried to extinguish the fire while he waited for fire crews to arrive, but it was just a little bit too much for him. The response was robust given the weather conditions and where it was.”
The quick response might have saved further damage to the woods and several nearby structures, said Currier, who described the cannon as about 3 feet long and made of solid steel. It fires a solid ball of steel approximately 4 inches in diameter.
“I’m sure it makes a pretty big bang,” said Currier.
Maine Forest Service Ranger Dan Skillin, who investigated the incident, determined that there will be no charges against Hudson because there is no law against firing a cannon.
Hudson could not be reached Monday afternoon.
The Maine Forest Service and local fire departments across Maine were stretched thin with brush fires over the weekend. Currier said higher humidity on Monday has slowed down the start of new fires,but noted Tuesday could see a return to more hazardous conditions, particularly in western Maine.
What we need around here is an officially-sanctioned and safe cannon shoot and encampment. Used to go to one that also offered other old artillery as well. Amazing range and accuracy on these things.
It is one thing to have a Patriot’s Day, and, quite another to do something about it.
http://www.nps.gov/mima/patriots-day.htm
When the original patriots wanted a fire put out, they had to pay the firemen first.
Thank socialism that’s not how it is anymore.
Dontcha love irony.
Some cities Still in this country today, if you do not pay the firefighter fee every year they will not put out your fire, they will protect the neighbors house if they paid the fee.
There was a case in Mississippi or perhaps Missouri within the last year or so where the fire department showed up to fight a house fire. Then it was discovered that the fee(in this area there was one required to be paid) had not been paid. That home burnt to the ground in the presence of the firefighters. It was a volunteer force. I cant remember exactly what state this happened in but it was somewhere down south.
If there are no laws against firing a cannon, why did it take forever to legalize fireworks? Go figure!
Can anyone own a cannon?? I want one. One with a 30 round clip in it.
Is this a great State, or what? Everyone should have their own cannon before the Paternalistic Nanny State bans them all!
Not a lot of convenience store robberies using cannons. Or barretts for what its worth.