PORTLAND, Maine - A "Red Flag" warning for high fire danger is in effect until 6 p.m. for the entire state of Maine.
The National Weather Service says low relative humidity, gusty northwest winds and continued dry conditions mean that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will shortly.
Maine Forest Service Fire Prevention Specialist Kent Nelson says people working outdoors are being urged to be very careful when using machinery or anything that could create a spark and a fire.
"There's been an increasing number of wild fires in the last week or so," Nelson says. "Right now, the number of fires that the Maine Forest Service has responded to, and is investigating, is at 185 and almost 300 acres."
Nelson says some precipitation is expected in much of Maine tomorrow, and that should help vegetation "green up," reducing the fire danger. He says it would also help if the winds die down and there's an increase in relative humidity.
