CARIBOU, Maine — A forest fire that engulfed a wooded area adjacent to a back field near 330 Belanger Road in Caribou was put to rest on Memorial Day thanks to the efforts of the Maine Forest Service and members of the Caribou Fire Department.
Forest Ranger Mike Daigle said the call came in around 1:50 p.m. of a fire that overtook 5.7 acres of harvested forestland in rural Caribou. Responders managed to put the fire out at approximately 7 p.m.
Monday’s wind worked in firefighters’ favor, blowing flames in the direction of a nearby potato field, Daigle said. Firefighters relied on the help of a helicopter based out of Old Town to extinguish the blaze.
Caribou Fire set up a temporary tank and shuttled in water to fight the fire while Maine Forest Service placed a pump and hose around the perimeter of the fire. Members of the Presque Isle and Limestone fire departments also assisted.
No injuries or structure damage were reported. The nearest home was about a quarter-mile away from the fire, according to Daigle.
Daigle said the fire is still under investigation.
