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Dry conditions contributed to dozens of forest fires over the weekend

Buckfield crews spend three days putting out a forest fire, one of many according to the Maine Forest Service.

BUCKFIELD, Maine — Dry conditions are putting our state at high risk for fire danger, according to the Maine Forest Service. 

All weekend crews have been responding to fires. One of the biggest was in Buckfield, where leaves and ash now cover 5 acres of land there. It's all from a fire crews spent 3 days working on

It was mostly woods in the fire's path, but also Kevin Breton's home. 

"The panic definitely did kick in," said Breton, who's not used to seeing fire trucks on his quiet road. 

When firefighters showed up on Saturday to respond to the brush fire, Breton was immediately concerned. He asked the fire chief what direction it had been moving in and if he and his family should be worried. 

Credit: Kevin Breton

"He said, 'If you have a garden hose, I'd get it out.' So, it got real really quick," said Breton. 

Fire crews managed to keep Breton's home safe, but they weren't expecting it to be such a challenge.

"It's not normal for this time of year for us around here," Chief Adam Dupile with the Buckfield Fire Department said. 

The conditions outside and the location of the fire made it especially hard to put the flames out, and allowed it to grow fast. 

"With the moisture in the air we just could not catch up to it for a while," Chief Dupile said.

Crews spent most of the weekend trying to control the fire and were still at work when NEWS CENTER Maine caught up with them on Monday. Hot spots were popping up again, putting them back at the scene. 

The Maine Forest Service said it's not surprised, since Buckfield is one of 34 fires it's responded to this past weekend. 

"It's really dry out. We haven't had rain in a long time," ranger Megan Warner said at the scene of the fire. 

Buckfield's fire likely started with a campfire, investigators said. Warner said it shows how many people have a dangerous lack of awareness. 

"People are still burning as if the fuels are nice and moist," she said.

After what happened at his doorstep, Breton is hoping people will take extra care, at least until heavy rain or snow comes. "If there's still people out in the woods having campfires, it's a fear for sure," Breton added. 

For people who are worried about fires popping up in these conditions, the Maine Forest Service said to take extra care when having a campfire or disposing of ashes. After a fire, it advises you make sure the ground is cold to the touch before you leave. 

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