Maine Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Maine - May 19, 2026

Overview

Maine is experiencing an active spring fire season driven by unseasonably warm temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty winds. The state's spring wildfire season traditionally feeds on a combination of dry grasses and leaf litter that easily ignite on the forest floor before full canopy green-up. The Maine Forest Service has warned of an elevated risk this season, noting that human activities, particularly debris burning, are the primary cause of fire starts.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Firefighters and forest rangers across the state remain on high alert. Multiple agencies are currently responding to active fires, and the potential for new starts remains high due to the dry leaf litter and vegetation on the forest floor combined with high temperatures.

Key Fires:
Greene Railroad Fire: A major forest fire broke out on the afternoon of May 19, 2026, along the railroad tracks between Sullivan and College roads in Greene, Maine. Fueled by dry spring vegetation, grasses, and forest litter, the fire has prompted a massive response from the Greene Fire Department and several neighboring agencies. Two helicopters from the Maine Forest Rangers are actively dropping water to help contain the blaze. Temperatures in the area exceeded 90 degrees with wind gusts up to 21 mph, exacerbating fire behavior. Several roads in the area have been closed, and residents are asked to avoid the vicinity.

Significant Events: A massive fire and silo explosion at a lumber mill in Searsmont on May 15 deeply impacted the state's firefighting resources over the last 72 hours. While not a wildland fire, the blaze required mutual aid from numerous surrounding departments and tragically resulted in a mass casualty event, heavily drawing on local and regional emergency response capabilities.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the elevated spring wildfire risk and dry conditions, the Maine Forest Service is strictly regulating open burning. Residents must obtain a free burn permit from the state before burning debris, as debris burning is historically a leading cause of wildfires in Maine during this season.
Air Quality: Smoke from the active forest fire in Greene may impact the surrounding Androscoggin County area. Residents in the vicinity of Sullivan and College roads should remain aware of shifting smoke conditions and limit outdoor exposure if smoke becomes heavy.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Unseasonably warm temperatures exceeding 90 degrees in some areas, combined with wind gusts up to 21 mph and low relative humidity, are creating volatile fire conditions across parts of the state.
Forecasted Weather: The Maine Forest Service and National Weather Service are monitoring critical fire weather conditions. The combination of dry grasses, leaf litter, and gusty winds means any fires that start could spread quickly and become difficult to control. Residents are advised to monitor the daily Wildfire Danger Report.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised to avoid outdoor burning, including campfires and debris burning, without a proper permit. It is crucial to be careful with all potential ignition sources, such as equipment, vehicles, or machinery that could create sparks. Residents near Greene should avoid the area and seek alternate routes due to road closures.
Resource Allocation: State and local emergency responders are heavily committed, particularly following the major industrial fire in Searsmont and the active forest fire in Greene. Agencies are utilizing aerial resources, including helicopters, to assist ground crews in suppression efforts.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
Maine Forest Service Wildfire Danger Report: mainefireweather.org
Maine Emergency Management Agency: www.maine.gov/mema

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.