Maine Forest Rangers are hoping that possible rain later this week will ease fire danger in the central and southern portions of Maine.

(Maine Forest Service)

Rangers say vegetation is showing signs of stress because of building drought conditions over the past several weeks, and even grass and plants that are still green are capable of burning.

They say some hardwood trees have started to drop their leaves, which is several weeks earlier than normal.

Southern and Central Maine are currently under High Fire Danger, while conditions are moderate in northern Maine.

The next significant chance of rain is Friday.

Much of Southern Maine is under Moderate Drought conditions while a portion of coastal Downeast Maine in under Severe Drought.

(US Drought Monitor)