P^OKEST commissioner's REPORT. 37 



EARLY FOREST FIRES IN MAINE. 



The greatest forest fire that has occurred iu the State of Maine 

 within historic times was doubtless that of the year 1825. It is 

 known to many people in the State as the "Miramichi" fire, but 

 though it occurred the same year and month as the forest fire which 

 destroyed many lives as well as much property in the province of 

 New Brunswick, it was a distinct fire, being separated from the 

 other by many miles. 



The fire of 1825 in Maine seems to have started in the towns in 

 and near the Piscataquis valley. Here it did much damage, burn- 

 ing up the wood lands, destroying several sets of buildings, and 

 otherwise injuring the settlers. Thence it spread north and east, 

 burning up mile after mile of timberland, till it reached and crossed 

 the Penobscot river. The boundaries of tie fire where they are' 

 not obscured by clearing or later fires are yet, by the charred 

 stumps and the nature of the growth, perfectly distinct, and the 

 area of the fire has by these marks been approximately determined. 

 The map which embodies these results and the limits as well of the 

 other great fires which aie later spoken of, has been reserved for 

 another year, when it is hoped tha^. much more information regard- 

 ing the fort sts of Maine will be ready for record in this form. 



In this connection it is right to acknowledge the assistance that 

 has been received in the prosecution of this work. Personal ex- 

 ploration of more than a small fraction of the territory was not- 

 poss'ble. The boundaries of the second growth have thus far been 

 obtained almost entirely from land owners, lumbermen and explor- 

 ers ; while as regards the history of the fire and the nature of the 

 growth upon its territory, much assistance has been derived from 

 similar sources. To all who assisted in this way, hearty thanks are 

 due. 



Written history, confirmed by the I'ecollection of people yet liv 

 ing who were witnesses of the fire, furnishes pretty satisfactory in- 

 formation as to the conditions which were responsible for it, and 

 also tell graphically of the conflagration in the neighborhood of the 

 settled towns On all points the account in the history of Piscata- 

 quis county by Rev. Amasa Loring, who was a witness of the fire, 

 would seem to be trustworthy. Beginning on page 231 of his his- 

 tory he says : 



