HARTFORD — The weekend wildfire that swept across 33 acres Saturday may have been intentionally set.
Jeff Currier, a regional ranger with the Maine Forest Service, said that given the damp ground and time of year, the probability of a cigarette butt or a stray spark starting the fire is low. “We’re pretty confident that it took some effort to get this fire going,” Currier said.
“We’re leaning toward that human element, perhaps with some malice.”
He said hunters alerted authorities to the fire. Buckfield, Leeds and Turner firefighters responded to the blaze. The town of Hartford has no fire department.
Currier said the source of the fire hadn’t been found, but investigators were going over the grounds and speaking to local landowners as well as the hunters who reported the fire.
No structures or vehicles were damaged in the fire. Currier said the forest service is also asking for tips from anyone with information. They are asked to call 1-800-987-0257. Information leading to a conviction is eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
treaves@sunjournal.com
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