Staff reports 8:12 a.m.
Thursday, May 12, 2016 9:13 am
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WEST LEBANON - The brush fire that broke out behind the Prospect Hill cemetery on Tuesday was caused by an individual, according to a ranger with the state Forest Service.
District Ranger Gregg Hesslein told The Lebanon Voice on Wednesday that the investigation into the blaze was ongoing, however, and would not name any person or persons who may have been involved.
He said any possible citation could include burning without a permit or a more serious charge if warranted.
The fire was called in around 1:40 p.m. and drew firefighters and equipment from Milton and Rochester as well as Lebanon.
Lebanon Fire and EMS Assistant Chief Dan Mathews said the day of the blaze that it proved difficult to fight due to stiff breezes, low humidity and the inability to get the big fire trucks closer to the fire due to the terrain.
Mathews estimated the charred area at about two acres. He said it appeared the fire had broken out behind the cemetery on the Milton side near the property line.
No firefighter injuries were reported.
Tuesday was a Class 3 day, meaning the fire danger was High, and Mathews said he didn't think any burn permits were issued.
Maine statute lists a maximum $100 fine for burning without a permit.