What to know about the controlled burn planned in Standish this weekend

Presumpscot Regional Land Trust to Light Controlled Burn in Standish’s Steep Falls Preserve on Saturday

Standish, Maine – The Presumpscot Regional Land Trust (PRLT) will conduct a prescribed fire on Saturday, October 24, within the 25‑acre Steep Falls Village Preserve, clearing a five‑acre patch of overgrown grassland that has become a fire hazard. The operation, overseen by Standish Fire‑EMS and the fire department, will be carried out under carefully monitored weather conditions and with a strict safety protocol designed to protect the surrounding community and natural resources.

The burn is part of a growing trend in the Northeast to use controlled fires for forest and grassland management. “Controlled burns are common in the South but relatively new in the Northeast,” said PRLT environmental steward Abigail Edenfield in a blog post published earlier this month. “They help reduce the volume of flammable fuels and make any potential wildfire less severe.”

How the Burn Will Work

Edenfield explained that fire lines—barriers built ahead of the fire to prevent it from spreading—will be established around the five‑acre zone. Their dimensions will vary with the type of vegetation present. “The land trust has been monitoring the weather closely to ensure conditions are safe,” she said. “If wind direction, speed, or humidity levels pose a risk, we’ll reschedule.”

Standish Fire Chief Will Watson’s crew will conduct the operation. “We’ll light one fire in the early morning and another at dusk,” Watson said. “The high humidity and stable atmosphere during those times will help keep the fire contained and predictable.” Once the burns are complete, crews will use water and hand tools to extinguish remaining embers and any hot spots.

Impact on the Community

The preserve itself, as well as Mill Street, Mill Street Park, and all trails within Steep Falls Village Preserve, will be closed for the duration of the burn. Residents may notice smoke in the area and should slow down and use headlights if they encounter it. Air‑quality officials say the U.S. Forest Service’s fire‑and‑smoke map can be consulted for real‑time updates.

The PRLT notes that the preserve will remain closed for a few weeks afterward to allow crews to clean up debris and monitor post‑burn safety conditions. “Our goal is to keep the area healthy for wildlife and visitors,” Edenfield said. “We hope to conduct more controlled burns in the future.”

Why Controlled Burns Matter in Maine

While Maine’s forests are cooler than the southern states, the state has experienced an uptick in wildfire activity in recent years. “Wildfires are more common in warmer parts of the country, but they have become a greater seasonal issue in and near Maine,” Edenfield noted. A prescribed fire can reduce the density and flammability of vegetation, thereby limiting the size and intensity of any accidental wildfire that might occur.

The PRLT has said that the practice of prescribed fires has “proved effective in promoting healthier plant regrowth.” By removing dead and overgrown material, the fire stimulates new growth that is less likely to ignite and spread rapidly.

Safety First

The operation will be conducted under a comprehensive safety plan. Fire lines, weather monitoring, and a two‑point ignition strategy (morning and dusk) are all designed to keep the fire within its intended boundaries. The presence of Standish Fire‑EMS and additional volunteer crews from neighboring towns adds an extra layer of expertise and readiness.

“We’re very careful with these burns,” Edenfield said. “The science backs them up, and the local teams are trained for the job.”

Looking Ahead

The PRLT expressed enthusiasm for continuing this kind of work. “We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to carry out more controlled burns in the future,” Edenfield said. “It’s a proactive way to protect both the environment and the residents of Standish.”

For those wanting to stay informed about air quality or fire status, the U.S. Forest Service’s fire‑and‑smoke map remains available online. Residents are encouraged to keep a low profile during the burn and to use caution if they encounter smoke.

The controlled burn will start in the early hours of Saturday, October 24, and is expected to last until the evening’s second ignition is extinguished. The PRLT and Standish Fire‑EMS will be on hand to respond to any unforeseen circumstances.