Wildfires are burning across Maine as dry spell contributes to increasing danger

Amid a run of dry weather, the fire danger has grown across much of Maine as crews battle several wildfires, including a 30-acre blaze near the Canadian border and a stubborn underground fire in a wooded area of Biddeford.

Fire officials are warning people to be extra careful because the dangerous conditions are unlikely to improve in the short term. There is no significant rainfall expected in the next week, and more than 35% of the state is considered to be abnormally dry.

Maine Forest Rangers have responded to multiple wildfires this week and on Wednesday issued a warning on social media about the very high fire danger. Local fire wardens have stopped issuing burn permits, a move that the forest service supports. The state’s online permit system is shut down, and the forest service is