AUGUSTA — The Maine Forest Service is asking Mainers to take precautions at the start of wildfire season as the number of fires continues to grow.

Just last week, firefighters responded to more than 80 wildfires across the state and so far this year, they’ve fought 164, Chief Forest Ranger Robby Gross said Wednesday.

In a typical year, Maine has 700 wildfires, which is up from 500-550 a decade ago. And with more fires comes more acreage damaged, Gross said.

Over 90% of all wildfires in Maine are caused by humans and spring is a dangerous time, with fuel sources drying, higher temperatures, low relative humidity and high winds. 

“Those components all can be a recipe for disaster if someone isn’t paying attention to their wildfire,” he said.

The forest service invited the media to their southern regional headquarters in Augusta on Wednesday to talk about what Mainers can do to prevent the fires. They highlighted two helicopters and various firetrucks specially fitted with wildfire fighting gear.

Greg Cornwell of the National Weather Service in Gray talked about the conditions that lead to a red flag warning, which is when no fires are permitted. The factors include high wind gusts and low humidity.

“A red flag warning represents when critical fire weather conditions are present,” he said. 

Officials say Mainers need to get a permit from the local fire department, burn after 5 p.m. if possible, keep water nearby and make sure the fire is out.

A sign recommends checking to see that the fire is “dead out” which calls for drowning the fire, stirring it and feeling for heat.

“Numerous times throughout the year oftentimes fire service, fire departments and forest rangers are having to go to somebody’s residence or property the next day because someone didn’t put the fire out,” Gross said.