AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills has declared Sunday, April 17, 2022 through Saturday, April 23, 2022 as Wildfire Awareness Week in the state of Maine and called on all Maine people to do their part to prevent wildfires. Maine averages over 550 wildfires annually, over ninety percent of which are caused by people.

“Preventing wildfires protects our economy and our environment, safeguards property and the safety of Maine people, and preserves our healthy, productive forests. Everyone can do their part to prevent wildfires in the State of Maine," said Governor Mills, in a news release. "I ask all Maine people to take this week as an opportunity to learn about the ways you can protect your home and your property from wildfires."

"Eighty-nine percent of Maine is forested, and this precious natural resource is ours to protect," said Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal. "Wildfire Awareness Week is an important reminder that most wildfires in Maine are caused by people and are therefore preventable. I invite everyone to increase their awareness of the ways we can all work to prevent wildfires."

"Maine has experienced over 90 wildfires already in 2022, and warm, dry weather increases the potential for significant wildfire activity," said Maine State Forester and Director of the Maine Forest Service Patty Cormier. "We each have a role to play in preventing fires, and Wildfire Awareness Week is the ideal time to get ready and become mindful about wildfire prevention."

"Maine's firefighters and first responders do more than fight wildfires they protect lives, homes, and businesses," said Chief Forest Ranger Robby Gross. "There may be no better reason to help prevent wildfires than knowing fewer fires mean fewer risks for our firefighters and first responders to face."

To learn how to protect your life, home, and community, visit www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_protection/firewise/index.html.

To view current wildfire data and activity, visit https://www.mainefireweather.org

To request a free online burn permit, visit https://www.maine.gov/burnpermit