LINCOLNVILLE — A camp fire likely started Saturday night at the top of Bald Rock Mountain in the Lincolnville section of Camden Hills State Park likely reignited Sunday afternoon, May 6, sending firefighters scrambling up the trail with portable water pumps.

Hikers discovered the fire Sunday afternoon around 1:20 p.m. and called 911, with Knox County Regional Communications Center, in Rockland, dispatching the firefighters to the top of the 1,200-foot mountain that overlooks Penobscot Bay.

The summit is a popular spot for campers and day hikers. Fires are not allowed anywhere in the state park, other than designated grills or fireplaces.

Approximately 15 firefighters scrambled up the trail, lead by the Lincolnville Fire Department’s six-wheeler all terrain vehicle, “Woody.” Two other firefighters also took their ATVs up the mountain, as well, with Indian pumps filled with water and tools.

They found that a swath of fire had spread from smoldering embers across the brush and grass at the top of Bald Rock, and into juniper bushes, and close to a pine tree, according to Deputy Fire Chief Don Fullington III.

“Junipers burn like gasoline,” said firefighters. “Many thanks to the hikers who called the fire in and they also stomped the fire pretty much out.”

The firefighters tended to the hot spots, raking and extinguishing any leftover smoldering vegetation.

This is not the first time that Lincolnville firefighters have responded to Bald Rock Mountain for fires. While at the top on Sunday, firefighters also noticed another spot where people have campfires against a ledge.

“Please don’t have a campfire in the non-approved areas,” said the Lincolnville Fire Department.  “If you are a risk-taker and you choose to do so anyway, please carry 10 to 20 gallons of water with you to properly extinguish your illegal campfire.”

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657