News Release

Illegal Campfire Burns Hike-In Campsite at Schoodic Woods Campground

NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 7, 2019

Contact: Christie Anastasia, 207 288-8806

WINTER HARBOR, MAINE – A person at a hike-in campsite at Schoodic Woods Campground started an illegal campfire that eventually became a brush fire on Tue Aug 6. A camper at another hike-in site reported the fire to park rangers shortly before 5 pm. Several fire department including Winter Harbor, Gouldsboro, Sullivan, and Franklin along with Acadia National Park Engine #13 extinguished the fire by 8 pm.  Several off-road utility vehicles were used to haul water from staged engines to the site as the only access is by a hiking trail. As a precautionary measure, two nearby hike-in sites were evacuated during the fire response. The burned area was estimated at 750 square feet and an investigation into the person or persons responsible has begun.
                                                                                                                
“Thanks to the local fire departments and National Park Service staff, this human-caused fire was effectively contained,” said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “Their expertise and rapid response kept everyone safe.”
 
Fires are only allowed in designated areas in Acadia National Park. Open fires are strictly prohibited at all Schoodic Woods Campground hike-in sites. Fire rings do not exist at these hike-in sites. However, camp stoves such as white gas or isobutane canisters are allowed. Schoodic Woods Campground remains open for business.