By Brian Owens, The Courier
A wildfire along the Track Road in Baileyville, ME, is mostly under control at this time, according to Baileyville town manager Chris Loughlin, and currently poses no threat to residents in Charlotte County.
The fire started around 5 p.m. on Aug. 10 and has so far burned roughly 14 hectares (35 acres). The cause of the fire is not yet known.
The fire is burning about 4.3 kilometres (2.7 miles) away from the St. Croix River. Baileyville Fire Department, along with the Maine Forest Service and fire crew from surrounding communities are on the scene. Loughlin said that, as of 10 a.m., the northwest corner of the fire was the area where they were still working to contain the blaze.
Sean Morton, St. Stephen fire chief, said Canadian fire crews are not actively involved in fighting the fire at this point, though Western Charlotte Fire Department was out keeping an eye on the situation on Sunday evening until Provincial aircraft arrived to monitor the blaze.
“Right now we’re in wait and see mode,” said Morton. “I understand the US crews have it under control now and there is no threat to us at this time.”
Residents should take standard precautions at this time, he said, with their 72-hour emergency kit packed. Evacuations are not being considered at this time, but they should always be at the back of your mind.
“Have a plan about where you’re going to go and what you’re going to take with you if you have to leave suddenly,” Morton said.
Local fire departments will put out alerts as needed, and residents are asked to immediately report any fires they see so that fire crews can respond quickly.
All of New Brunswick remains under a fire ban, and all activity on Crown land has been banned. The province is also asking New Brunswickers to stay out of the woods and reconsider their travel plans.
