LEWISTON – Dry grass and sparks from a passing train Monday were blamed for a fire that blackened more than an acre of land on College Road.

Police who responded to the grass fire near the Greene town line found wind-fueled flames sweeping from the woods toward the roadway.

“It was burning pretty good,” said police Sgt. David St. Pierre.

Firefighters working from pumper trucks attacked the fire as it scorched the grass and threatened to burn poles serving nearby powerlines. Police blocked off a section of College Road beyond Old Farm Road as fire crews battled the blaze.

Firefighters had the fire under control within an hour. It was believed the fire started when a passing train on tracks at the far end of the field threw sparks onto dry grass and brush.

In recent days, Maine meteorologist have said that this March may turn out to be one of the driest on record. They cautioned that the lack of rain and snow, coupled with steady winds, may cause extreme fire hazards as fields and woods continue to dry.

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