Drought and high fire danger are conditions currently affecting Southern Maine.

Some fire departments, including Sebago, have shut down all open-flame fires, including campfires, until further notice.

(Maine Forest Rangers – Fire Danger)

Maine Forest Rangers say forest fuels are still available, with recent dry breezes quickly evaporating moisture from any rainfall.

Southern Maine, including the entire coastline, is under moderate drought conditions.

Portland is experiencing the 5th driest start to the month and the most recent since 2002, according to WGME.

(U.S. Drought Monitor)

Meanwhile, Hurricane Erin is passing by off the east coast, which is bringing dangerous rip currents to beach swimmers in Maine,

New England will start seeing increasing wave activity over the next day. Rising waves will become more noticeable on Wednesday, but Thursday is expected to see the bulk of the impact.

CBS 13 reports very dangerous rip currents and a high surf will be present as early as Wednesday lasting through the weekend in Maine.

Waves will be the highest this weekend between 8 to 10 feet in the Gulf of Maine.