Controlled Burn in Western Maine Will Cause Smoke & Street Closure

If you live near the Maine town of Standish, you are going to want to keep in mind that there will be a controlled burn at the Steep Falls Village Preserve on Saturday.

This controlled burn will lead to the closure of some areas and could lead to lower air quality in the Standish area due to the smoke.

According to an article in the Portland Press Herald, the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust and Standish Fire-EMS will conduct a controlled burn of approximately five acres of the 25-acre Steep Falls Village Preserve to remove overgrown vegetation that could fuel wildfires.

Crews will establish fire lines to contain the burn and monitor weather conditions to ensure safety.  Standish Fire Lieutenant Will Watson’s crew and firefighters from nearby communities will conduct the burn, with fires planned for early morning and dusk when humidity is higher and conditions are more stable.  Crews will extinguish remaining embers and hot spots afterward.

Mill Street, Mill Street Park and the preserve’s trails will be closed all day Saturday.  The preserve will remain closed for several weeks following the burn while crews collect the remaining burned vegetation.

What Is A Controlled Burn?

According to the American Forests website, a controlled burn is a planned, low-intensity fire used to remove overgrown vegetation and other fuels that could feed dangerous wildfires. It also helps forests regenerate naturally while reducing the risk of intense fires that can destroy landscapes and damage seeds in the soil.