Spring brings higher wildfire risk in Maine

By Ethan Andrews, Bangor Daily News Staff

Despite the seasonal return of rain, April and May in Maine often come with an elevated risk of wildfires, according to the Maine Forest Service, who issued a warning on April 10.

Maine’s spring wildfire season feeds on a combination of dry grasses and leaf litter, higher temperatures, lower relative humidity and winds that can easily reach the forest floor, according to the service.

In April 2025, Maine had 193 wildfires that burned 177 acres. All of them were caused by human activity and more than a third were related to debris and open burning, the service said.

The forest service posts a daily fire danger rating. Residents should always get a free burn permit from the state before burning debris, and be careful with all potential ignition sources, including campfires, fireworks and welding.