AUGUSTA — Law enforcement and forest officials are reminding Mainers to travel safely and follow open burning and fireworks laws this holiday weekend.

Highway deaths in Maine in 2012 are 42 percent higher than a year ago and speed has been a factor in more than half of them, according to Steve McCausland, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety, in a news release.

As of Thursday morning, 47 people had died in Maine crashes this year, while 33 people lost their lives in 2011 accidents, McCausland said.

Increase police patrols looking for aggressive and drunk drivers will also be on the roads this week, he said.

Maine State Police Col. Robert Williams said, “Drivers need to avoid drinking and driving, buckle up, drive the speed limit and stop texting.”

The Maine Forest Service will be enforcing open burning and fireworks laws this weekend and throughout the summer.

“Always check with local government, fire department or Maine Forest Service officials to make sure fires are allowed in your area, and be sure to comply with all restrictions,” Chief Forest Ranger Bill Hamilton said.

Hamilton reminded people to not leave grills unattended, to completely extinguish campfires and barbecue coals and to have water nearby in case a fire gets out of control.

If a fire erupts, Hamilton advised to immediately call 911.

People are responsible for any fire they start and any costs a fire causes, Hamilton said.

The chief ranger also said that out-of-state firewood has been banned to help stop the spread of invasive insects, which can damage forests.