PORTLAND, Maine — The Maine Forest Service announced it will be conducting a controlled burn in Lakeview Plantation and Brownville on Thursday.
The agency said in a release Wednesday the controlled burn will occur alongside the railroad right-of-way.
"The main goal of the burn is to eliminate light forest fuels within a 25-foot distance from the tracks, thereby reducing the risk of wildfires caused by the railroad in the future," the release said.
The Maine Forest Service added the burn "will assist NBM Railways in complying with Maine's wildfire prevention laws and serve as training for state and municipal firefighters."
The Maine Forest Service added the burn will aid NBM Railways in complying with the state's wildfire prevention laws. It will also be used as training for state and municipal firefighters, the agency said.
"Maine's Forest Rangers conduct annual inspections of over 1600 miles of railway in the state to prevent wildfires," MFS said in the release. "In the event of a fire caused by the railroad, Maine law mandates vegetation clearance up to 25 feet from the leading edge of the rail for the next five years."
The controlled burn will span two miles along the railroad right-of-way near the southern side of Schoodic Lake, and flames will be limited to a height of four feet to keep it under control, the agency said.
"However, some camps and homes between the south end of Schoodic Lake and Medford may experience temporary smoke impacts," the release stated.
The controlled burn is expected to begin at 10 a.m. and continue through the morning.
"Maine Forest Rangers will lead the project in collaboration with NBM Railways, the Brownville Fire Department, and the Milo Fire Department," the release said.
