Aroostook County landowner taken into custody as firefighters battle debris pile fires

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 30, 2026

A landowner was taken into custody for erratic driving as firefighters attempted to bring a fire spread among 20 debris piles under control in Madawaska on Monday night. The Madawaska Fire Department responded to what was originally reported as a roughly 3-acre forest fire spreading up a hill. Upon arrival, crews found 20 to 30 large slash piles — debris piles consisting of branches, brush and other organic materials — ablaze with flames 10 to 20 feet high. The piles were spread across a roughly 14-acre area. Two other piles were also burning across the street. The landowner had a burn permit but was not in control of the fires. Charges are pending.