LUBEC, Maine — A slight break in the weather Friday was a help to those fighting wildfires throughout the state.

Kent Nelson, a fire prevention specialist with the Maine Forest Service, said Friday’s lower temperatures and higher relative humidity helped prevent any new fires from starting.

However, crews still were battling fires that erupted Thursday.

In Searsmont, a 46-acre fire was about 80 percent contained as of 1:30 p.m. Friday, he said.

“It was really a hot fire,” said Nelson. “The fire actually jumped a brook.”

Two rangers battled the fire Thursday, and a helicopter also was deployed. One ranger was there Friday working with members of the Waldo County Incident Management Assistance Team.

Because of warm and dry conditions recently, fires have been similar to those typically seen in late summer, Nelson said.

Firefighters also remained in Lubec where 200 acres had been burning. Officials are investigating the cause of that fire, Nelson said.

Rangers also were checking out fires Friday in Penobscot County’s Webster Plantation and in Madison in Somerset County, he said.

“People still need to be very careful with outdoor fires,” Nelson said.

Though some rain may fall over the weekend, a single rain shower will not resolve dry conditions, he warned. In fact, Nelson said, all moisture associated with a single rain shower will be evaporated the next day.

“We haven’t had any rain for over a week,” he said.

Despite the small break in weather, the wildfire danger report for Friday remained “very high,” according to the forest service website.

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