STATE — Maine, the most forested state in the U.S., averages 650 wildfires that burn about 550 acres annually.
Most are human caused. The Maine Forest Service [MFS] has been working with local communities and homeowners to help reduce the risk of wildfire since the early 2000s. Around 79 percent of homes in Maine are located within the Wildland Urban Interface [WUI], providing unique
challenges for structural and wildland firefighters.
Homes and camps in the Unorganized Territory [UT] and other rural areas face additional challenges with longer response times and fewer nearby firefighting resources than in urban areas.
The MFS is the sole fire suppression agency in many parts of the UT.
Tips to reduce wildfire risk
• Do not stack firewood against your home or camp. Place woodsheds or wood piles at least 30 feet away.
• Keep roofs and gutters clear of leaves, needles, seeds, and other debris.
• Keep 100 feet of garden hose attached to an outside faucet [if water is available].
• Trim tree branches that overhang roofs.
• Prune vegetation along your driveway to maintain at least 12 feet of horizontal and 14 feet of vertical clearance.
• Keep vegetation within 30 feet of your home or camp pruned and watered. Clear any accumulated dead vegetation. If planting, use plants from the MFS list of fire-resistant plant species.
• Thin and prune trees between 30 and 100 feet from your home or camp.
• Check with local fire officials before having a campfire on your property
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