South Berwick, ME — March 23rd — Malcom MacDonald, a ranger for the Maine Forest Service District, paid the South Berwick Fire Department a visit during their monthly forest and wildland firefighting training. Firefighters discussed frequent causes of brush fires, seasonal wildfire conditions, and collaboration between the Maine Forest Service and local agencies.

Additionally, Ranger MacDonald talked about strategies for managing brush and woodland fires and gave a demonstration of the equipment utilized during wildland responses. Firefighters were able to study response duties and communication protocols utilized in state and local operations thanks to the training. Despite the training's rainy and snowy conditions, officials pointed out that Maine's spring fire season is quickly approaching. Wind and dry surface fuels can rapidly raise the region's risk of brush fires.