With Midcoast Maine in an extreme drought, communities around the Camden Hills are embarking on a plan to reduce wildfire risks and improve responses. According to the Town of Rockport's Energy Program, in a news release, an August fire on Ragged Mountain serves as a reminder that the 7,500-plus acres of publicly accessible forests in this area can be vulnerable to fire as the climate changes. 

The local wildfire preparedness process, coordinated with the Maine Forest Service, will begin with a “Camden Talks Climate” Zoom presentation on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m., hosted by the Camden Public Library and CamdenCAN. Dana Ludwig, a climate specialist with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and Kent Nelson, a forest ranger specialist with the Maine Forest Service, will discuss growing wildfire risks in Maine and what landowners can do to protect their homes. 

To register for the “Wildfire-ready” talk, visit the library’s website: https://www.librarycamden.org/event/wildfire-ready/. The talk will be recorded and available later on the library’s YouTube channel.  

Area residents who want to learn more about the regional wildfire preparedness process can attend an Open House with its advisory group on Monday, Nov. 16, from 5-6 p.m., at the French Conference Room of the Camden Town Office (entrance off Washington Street). This will be an informal chance to ask questions, talk with advisory group members and enjoy snacks. 

The wildfire preparedness process is supported by a state Community Resilience Partnership grant to the Towns of Rockport and Camden which funds emergency preparedness and the Camden/Rockport Energy Coaching program. 

Questions about the upcoming events can be sent to energyprogram@rockportmaine.gov.