There’s been significant rainfall recently in Maine, but Governor Mills has still declared this week Wildfire Awareness Week (April 19-25, 2026) in the state.

Maine Forest Rangers say conditions today may be wet, but items like dead grass and leaves dry out quickly with sun and wind exposure, making them ready to burn when an ignition source is present.

Rangers say Maine has experienced 71 wildfires that have burned 48 acres so far in April, with 40 percent of those fires related to debris and open burning.

All of southern Maine is currently under Moderate Fire Danger, with no rain predicted over the next week.

Maine Forest Rangers say the middle of April often brings an uptick in wildfire activity due to our typical spring weather patterns of warming temperatures, lower relative humidity, and winds.

Check out Governor Mills’ Wildfire Awareness Week Proclamation here.

A Public Safety Announcement from York County says, “York County is currently experiencing drought conditions, resulting in elevated wildfire risk across the region. Dry vegetation, low humidity, and wind can allow even a small spark to quickly become a fast-moving fire.”