…While Maine is known for its abundant forests and cooler climate, the risk of large-scale wildfire remains real. History reminds us of this. In 1947, devastating wildfires burned over 200,000 acres and destroyed over 800 homes. In 2024 alone, Maine saw 652 wildfires that burned 296 acres. The Maine Forest Service is at the forefront of protecting 17.5 million acres of forest land, covering 89% of the state. …One cornerstone of our efforts is the Open Burn Permit System, which provides real-time updates on current conditions, helping communities make informed decisions about burning activities. Additionally, during our wildfire season, from March to November, our wildfire danger broadcasts are vital for tracking fire risk. …As a founding Northeast Forest Fire Protection Compact member, we share resources and expertise with New England and the Eastern Canadian provinces. …National lightning detection and heat signature systems enable rapid notification of wildfire starts in remote areas.