TOWNSHIP 19 MD — The Maine Forest Service fought a fire north of Columbia Falls on Saturday afternoon after a blueberry field burn went out of control, according to a release.
Forest rangers were called to the fire off Shadagee Road around 1 p.m. Saturday and went to the scene with two fire engines from the Jonesboro headquarters, according to Ranger Jasmine Hammond. The fire ended up burning 10 acres.
Hammond said Cecil Gray, a blueberry grower from Columbia, lost control of the blueberry field burn after equipment failed on one of the tractors being used on the prescribed fire and the fire jumped the control lines. She said that Gray had a permit to burn the fields.
The fire was contained in about two hours and there were no injuries to any firefighters.
The ranger said no charges will be filed in the incident because the blueberry company had a permit for the controlled burn and met all of the listed criteria.
There were eight wildfires reported across Maine on Saturday, according to Ranger Lt. Jeff Currier, as temperatures reached into the 70s. in many areas.
Wow….did not know it could dry out that quickly.
Blue Berry ground, is mostly on ledge, with very little top soil, it can dry out quickly. Also there miles and miles of very flat ground with no tree, rocks or other thing to slow it down.
I can still remember my folks talking about the big fire downeast in the 60’s
The Forest Rangers have been right on top of a lot of fires this year. Good job!
Great ending….:)
Hey, I know– let’s all get high/drunk and play with fireworks…NOT!
Why is it these people aren’t working reliable equipment?