MAINE, USA — This is Maine Wildfire Awareness Week.
The state wants you to know the most common causes and what you can do to prevent them.
According to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, 90 percent of wildfires are sparked by people.
Since the beginning of 2023, there have been more than 40 wildfires in Maine.
Triggers are often sparked by hot embers coming out of stoves, wood fires, or cigarette butts.
They can be caused by overheated equipment and vehicles, and sometimes by people who let a fire get out of control.
When those sparks hit dry leaves or branches, and a little wind picks up, that can start a fire.
Accidents account for most wildfires and can cause extensive damage.
Chief Forest Ranger Robby Gross stressed the importance of educating families on fire prevention in order to minimize these occurrences.
Gross said, “Stove ashes are another problematic area that we see across the state. Where transitioning from winter into spring, folks cleaning out their stoves, dumping stove ashes out on fine fuels. And before you know it, we have a wildfire.”
Officials are encouraging parents to talk with their kids about being responsible with fire and even sharing these tips using the Smokey Bear narrative.
Click here for updates on fire conditions.