WILTON — An official said a forest fire at Kineowatha Park late Monday afternoon was considered intentionally set.

The fire, which burned less than a half acre, is being investigated by the Maine Forest Service and suspects have been identified, Kyle Ellis, Wilton Fire Department assistant chief, said Tuesday.

Dry needles and sticks burned in a forested area between the ball field and the lake. The fire was fanned by wind coming off the lake, Ellis said.

Firefighters were called out about 5:09 p.m. after adults at a baseball game overheard three juveniles coming out of the woods say they had just started a fire, Frank Donald, director of Wilton Parks and Recreation, said.

“We were very fortunate that the adults did not just blow off what they heard,” he said. “If it had taken just a few more minutes to spot and report, it could have been quite an issue.”

Less than half an acre was burned.

Two of the suspected juveniles have a history of problems in the park, he said.

The fire was contained with Indian packs until about 900 feet of fire hose could be set up to reach the fire, located off a trail near the baseball field, Ellis said.

Mutual aid from Jay Fire Department was called, he said.

Sgt. Chad Abbott of Wilton Police Department responded to the scene but the Maine Forest Service was called after it was determined the fire was suspicious.

A Maine Forest Service ranger is leading the investigation and was not immediately available for comment.

abryant@sunmediagroup.net

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