Fire at Long at Long Reach Cove in Cundy’s Harbor. Photo contributed by Cundy’s Harbor Volunteer Fire Department
For three days, firefighters have been battling a stubborn, 3-acre wildfire that ignited Saturday a mile north of Cundy’s Harbor Great Island Church of the Nazarene, at Long Reach Preserve.
“When we left (Sunday), we had most of it taken care of,” said Cundy’s Harbor Fire Chief Ben Wallace Monday morning.
Burning at an elevation of 80 feet and 100 yards from shore, Wallace said the rough terrain made reaching and stifling the flames a significant challenge. He said fire crews have been pumping water up from the cove to douse the fire.
Depending on the tides, Wallace said there isn’t always enough water in the cove to pump up to douse the flames.
“We need rain,” he added.
As of 3:30 p.m. Monday, firefighters were still battling the flames.
“They’re still going at it. I expect hot spots are going to be showing up for a few days,” Wallace said.
He said the ground is so dry that embers in tree root systems, several inches below ground, could continue to flare up.
“We will dig it out and drown it as best we can,” he said.
Even after the fire is contained, Wallace said residents can expect to smell smoke in the air for several days.
No firefighters have been injured fighting the fire, which is being investigated by the state forestry service.
Wallace said Cundy’s Harbor Fire Department received assistance from West Bath, Topsham, Richmond and Woolwich fire crews.
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