SEARSMONT — A veil of smoke continued to hang over the woods between Route 173 and New England Road in Searsmont Thursday night as firefighters have been battling a large woods fire since around 4:45 p.m.

Up on Appleton Ridge, and on Moody Mountain, residents could be seen standing on the roadside, watching, as the sound of helicopters could be heard in the distance.

Firefighters from the towns of Liberty, Montville and Morrill have been assisting Searsmont with the fire, which has involved an unknown number of acres. In addition the Maine Forest Service has been on the scene, and a pair of the agency's helicopters has been periodically collecting water from Stevens Pond in Liberty to douse the blaze.

According to Waldo County Regional Communications, there have been some calls from area residents concerned about the fire. A dispatcher said that no evacuation has been necessary and that residents are safe at this time, should avoid the area and stay inside their homes.

The bulk of the firefighting has been happening in the woods, about 1-1/2 miles in, within the area of New England Road, Route 173 and Choate Road. As of about 8:15 p.m., the fire had been knocked down, and most of the firefighters were returning to their stations for the evening.

There is no word yet on how the fire started.

All available Waldo County firefighters are being asked to meet at the intersection of Jackson and Choate roads Friday at 6 a.m. to assist with cleanup from today's fire. That means other towns will be lean as some of their volunteer firefighters join the job of continuing to work to put out the fire that reportedly continues to burn underground Friday morning. 

Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com and 706-6655

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com and 706-6657