CARIBOU, Maine — The National Weather Service in Caribou issued a special weather statement Wednesday warning of the potential wildfire danger being high or elevated across all but the far northern part of the state into Friday.
Todd Foisy, meteorologist with the weather service, said residents should check with their local fire department or the Maine Forest Service before doing any burning outside.
Climbing temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds were creating a high fire danger in parts of southern Aroostook, Washington, Hancock, Washington and Penobscot counties, according to Foisy.
The danger level was slightly lower, or considered “elevated,” for the rest of the state.
The conditions are dry as a result of it having not rained in much of Maine for “eight or nine days,” Foisy said.
The fact that vegetation has not “greened up” yet this year also is playing a significant role, he added.
“So it is really a combination of several things that are influencing the conditions right now,” the meteorologist said.
Foisy said that some places across Maine did see some rain on Tuesday, but thus far, it has been the longest continuous dry period this spring.
He said the fire danger could continue into Thursday.
“Rain is in the forecast for Friday afternoon and night, however,” he added.