Grass fire burns a dozen acres
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PERHAM — High winds caused a grass fire to spread quickly on the Carson Road on April 18, burning about a dozen acres before firefighters were able to extinguish it.
QUICK RESPONSE by the Washburn Fire Department prevented a grass fire from spreading to woods and homes on the Nutting Road when a grass fire was discovered around suppertime April 18. Pictured extinguishing flames near the road, from left, are members of the Washburn Fire Department: Lt. Chris McCoy and Firefighter Craig Hamman. 
“The fire was called in by one of the firefighters who saw smoke from his house across town. Upon arrival, we found five acres had already burned and the fire was moving quickly through the field,” said Washburn Fire Chief Troy Heald.
Washburn Fire Department responded to the scene shortly after 6:30 p.m.
“We had about 15 firefighters on hand and were able to bring the fire under control, preventing the blaze from crossing the road to nearby homes,” said Heald.
Heald said firefighters worked to get ahead of the fire and were able to contain it to the field, preventing it from going into the standing trees adjacent to the field.
“Total acres burned were estimated around 12 or so,” said Heald. “We’re not sure what caused the fire at this time.”
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The Washburn Police Department assisted with traffic control.
Despite this week’s rain, the Maine Forest Service and area fire departments are urging caution when burning outside and ask that burn permits be obtained and fires managed accordingly. Wet weather will help reduce the risk of fire but authorities indicate due to brush and grass being extremely dry this spring, the danger remains and care should be taken when burning outdoors. For more information on current burn conditions or to obtain a permit, contact your local fire department or fire warden.
