Maine experiences ‘abnormally dry’ fall, heightening wildfire concerns

Maine has remained dry so far, and parts of the state are expected to remain in moderate drought conditions through November.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recorded 3.61 inches of rainfall in the Portland area from September to October this year, 5.41 inches below normal.

About 74% of Maine was abnormally dry or in moderate drought at the end of October, according to NOAA’s National Integrated Office. Drought Information System – and much of New England is in similar conditions.

Dry weather has led to an increase in wildfires at the end of the typical fire season across the region.

Eastern Maine is experiencing moderate drought, including Washington and Hancock counties, as well as eastern parts of Aroostook, Piscataquis, Penobscot, Waldo, Knox and Lincoln counties, according to US Drought Monitor.

Much of the rest of the state was classified as abnormally dry for this time of year. Parts of the southern tip of York County are also experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions.

It was the 12th driest September-to-October period on record in Portland, said Derek Schroeter, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Gray. During this time, Portland experienced just 10 days of precipitation, the second-wettest day in a two-month period on record.

Dry conditions are expected to continue into November, with NOAA forecasting below normal precipitation for the entire state through November 11th. Eastern Maine is expected to remain dry throughout the month.

“This indicates that the ongoing drought will not bring relief,” Schroeter said.

On Friday, all of southern New England was under an NWS Red Flag Warning, a type of warning of increased fire weather hazards.

In Massachusetts, increased drought has led to… 1200% peak wildfires in October, the state Fire Department said Friday.

A lack of precipitation combined with gusty winds and an abundance of dry falling leaves can also create the conditions necessary for wildfires to occur in Maine. Most of southern and coastal Maine had a high fire risk over the weekend, while the rest of the state had a moderate fire risk, according to the Department of Health. Maine Forest Service Wildfire Hazard Report.

“It’s kind of an unusual fall to have this kind of fire activity in late October, early November,” said Kent Nelson, a specialist forester with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Nelson estimates rangers have responded to about 60 or 70 wildfires in the last few weeks, more than normal for this time of year.

There are 650 wildfires in Maine each year, burning about 550 acres, according to the Forest Service. Nelson said there have only been about 400 wildfires this year, but that number could increase as the drought continues.

“Ninety-five percent of our fires are human-caused, which means they can be prevented in some way,” Nelson said.

For example, being careful when working in the yard. Lawn mowers and tractors can cause fires if they hit rocks or other debris, and dry grass and leaves are like fuel for wildfires, Nelson said.

“Use the right machine for the right job,” Nelson said. “A lawn mower is not designed for cutting bushes in the forest; that’s what a brush cutter is for.”

If you’re camping, Nelson recommended double- and triple-checking that fires are out before leaving an area to make sure the fire isn’t spreading.

“You need to fill it with water three or four times, stir the coals and wait a few minutes,” Nelson said.

The Forest Service recommends clearing dead vegetation 30 feet from homes and camps, but always be sure to get a permit before burning, Nelson said. Permits are available free online but are only valid if the daily fire danger rating is low or moderate.

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