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The national database of state and local wildfire hazard mitigation programs
serves as a clearinghouse of information about nonfederal policies and
programs that seek to reduce the risk of loss of life and property through
the reduction of hazardous fuels on private lands. If
you would like to submit a program to the national wildfire programs database,
please complete the following form (MS
Word).
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Title: |
Maine Wildland Hazard Assessment/Mitigation Strategies
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Type: |
Regulatory
Homeowner assistance
Education
Designation of high risk areas
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Jurisdiction: |
State
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State: |
Maine
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Program Description: |
Program Description:
The Maine Forest Service/Forest Protection Division has established the Maine Wildland Hazard Assessement/Mitigation Strategies Program to deal with the ever-increasing dangers of fires in the WUI areas. This program addresses public information/education incorporating Firewise principles, the cost sharing of dry hydrants and other water sources, comprehensive mapping of fuels, partnerships with communities at risk as well as teaming up with the Maine Fire Chiefs and Maine Conservation Corps, the formation of the Maine Wildland Urban Interface/Prevention Committee, development of hazard assessment/mitigation strategies �template� with Peaks Island residents, and the installation of thirty automated weather stations throughout Maine.
Education:
The Maine Forest Service has launched a comprehensive information/education program utilizing many media sources throughout the State. Public Service Announcements for television began airing in March and will continue throughout this and next year�s fire season, as well as radio PSA�s and newsprint articles. Firewise brochures have been developed and are being distributed during the issuance of open burning permits.
Mapping/GIS Project:
The Maine Forest Service/Forest Protection Division has carried out comprehensive mapping of fuels and other hazards within Maine, as well as assisting other members of the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission with their mapping needs.
Beginning in 2005, the Maine Forest Service and Maine Conservation Corps will be teaming up to help bolster the hazard assessment/mapping program by assigning five people to conduct additional mapping of critical WUI areas, as well as conducting Firewise workshops within these critical areas. Much of the funding for this project will be generated from an AmeriCorps grant. These maps and other information will be offered to interested WUI communities, as well as technical assistance from Maine Forest Service GIS/Mapping experts.
Risk Assessment:
Maine Forest Rangers are developing a hazard assessment/mitigation program with the assistance of Acadia National Park officials. Once finalized, this program �Template� will be offered to all interested communities/landowners. Rangers are currently incorporating this program in it�s WUI assessment of Peaks Island.
Fuel Reduction:
An estimated 800 acres of hazards/fuels within the wildland urban interface areas will be treated in 2004 by fire and other measures. Forest Rangers and local fire officials have assisted both railroad personnel and homeowners with prescribed burning operations, as well as other fuel removal measures.
Grants:
A matching cost share grant was implemented in March of 2004. Sixty-eight communities were awarded grants for the installation of dry hydrants and ponds. Along with this dry hydrant program, 109 communities were awarded grants through the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program, which allows these communities to purchase specialized wildland fire fighting equipment, improving initial response and sustained suppression efforts within the wildland urban interface.
Fire Weather Data:
In 2003-4, the Maine Forest Service installed thirty automated weather stations. These stations and the data collected help Maine Forest Service personnel calculate fire danger and disseminate forecasts and real time fire weather within the WUI and beyond.
Homeowner Assistance:
Maine Forest Service Rangers are available to assist property owners, incorporating Firewise principles in new construction, as well as existing homes and surrounding vegetation/hazards.
Regulatory:
Maine Forest Service Rangers enforce several laws relating to forest fire prevention. Among these (1) Hazard Clearances around dumps and other solid waste facilities, (2) Criteria for Allowable Open Burning of Debris, (3) Slash around homes, property lines, utilities, roads and wood processing facilities, (4) Removal of flammable materials along railroad right of ways and mandatory patrolling of right of ways behind trains during high fire danger/occurrence periods.
Training:
The Maine Forest Service offers several basic as well as more advanced training programs to fire officials. In 2005, (S-215) Fires in the Wildland Urban Interface will be offered to firefighters at the third Maine State Wildfire Training Academy. Nearly 200 firefighters are expected to attend.
Contact Information
For more information, contact Jim Downie, Fire Prevention Specialist at 207.827.1805, or by email at [email protected].
Maine Forest Service
Forest Protection Division
Old Town, Maine 04468
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