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

Landowner Arrested During Wildfire Response in Madawaska After Erratic Driving

MADAWASKA — Firefighters in Madawaska battled a large debris fire Monday night while a landowner was being taken into police custody nearby after being accused of driving erratically in a manner that officials say may have endangered first responders.

The Madawaska Fire Department received a call around 8:35 p.m. Monday reporting a fire spreading up a hill near Beaulieu Road. Upon arrival, crews determined the flames were burning on a property along Gagnon Road, originating from a significant collection of debris piles.

Between 20 and 30 large slash piles — made up of branches, brush, and other organic materials — were engulfed in flames reaching 10 to 20 feet in height. The blazes covered a roughly 14-acre area, and two additional piles were also on fire across the street from the main site.

According to the fire department, the property owner held a valid burn permit but had lost control of the fires. Crews focused their efforts on prioritizing the piles that posed the greatest threat of further spread.

During the course of the firefighting operation, the situation took a dangerous turn. Firefighters were forced to shelter behind their apparatus as the landowner was subdued by police for erratic driving, which officials say may have threatened the safety of emergency personnel working in the area.

The landowner was subsequently taken into custody, with charges still pending, the fire department confirmed.

Nearly 20 firefighters responded to the scene, with additional support provided by the Maine Forest Service. Once the arrest was made, crews resumed their firefighting efforts, and a fire watch was established for the remainder of the night to ensure the flames did not reignite.

Madawaska Police Chief Jamie Pelletier was not immediately available for additional comment Tuesday evening.