Penobscot forest fire started by illegal campfire, investigators say

Fire that burned five acres took three days to extinguish

Penobscot wildland fire. Photo courtesy of Penobscot Fire Department.

Sept. 15, 2026

By John Boit

PENOBSCOT–The forest fire that burned five acres in Penobscot was caused by an illegal campfire, according to an official from the Maine Forest Service, the lead investigator for the blaze.

Thirteen fire departments responded to the blaze that started on Aug. 29. Some 50 firefighters were assisted by two private bulldozers that cleared fire breaks through the forest, as well as a Maine Forest Service helicopter that dropped water from the air.

Terri Teller, a spokesperson for the Maine Forest Service, confirmed to The Rising Tide that investigators have determined the source of the fire was an illegal campfire.

“It was illegal because campfires aren’t allowed by the landowner, and it was not properly extinguished. That’s what led to the fire spreading,” Teller said.

The land where the fire started consists of approximately 75 acres owned by a land trust operated by Maine Woodland Owners, according to Penobscot Fire Chief James Clarke.

Teller said the illegal campfire could constitute a Class E crime, which could lead to a fine but could also be tried in criminal court, she said. The court, she said, may also require anyone who started the fire to pay restitution for the cost of fire suppression.

The investigation is ongoing, Teller said.

[Full disclosure: Boit is a volunteer with the Penobscot Fire Department.]