The Portland Press Herald / The Maine Sunday Telegram

March 16

Maine firefighters battling brush blazes

The Associated Press

HERMON — The early spring that has left dry grass and brush across Maine is keeping fire departments busy putting out brush fires.

On Monday alone firefighters responded to a half a dozen fires in the Penobscot County towns of Carmel, Plymouth, Herman and at the Hampden-Newburgh town line.

In Washington County fires were reported in Perry and Northfield.

Herman Fire Sgt. Bob DiBona says the fire season is early this year because the area has had relatively little snow and rain, higher than average temperatures and heavy winds.

Ranger Jerry Parsons of the Maine Forest Service says some of the recent fires were likely caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials.