A forest fire burning a couple of acres on French Mountain in Rome was reported to be mostly contained by about 5 p.m. Thursday.

The Maine Forest Service and local fire departments responded to the blaze about 1:30 p.m. when it reportedly covered about 2 or 3 acres.

“It’s pretty rugged, steep terrain,” Forest Ranger Specialist Kent Nelson said on Thursday afternoon.

A helicopter fitted with a water bucket was used initially to help quench the flames.

Later the firefighting was left to the members of five or so fire departments, some of them from Lakes Region Mutual Aid companies.

“They’re climbing around and putting it out,” Nelson said. “It’s not real active and not threatening any structure.”

Nelson said the firefighters would be on the scene until dark Thursday and likely return Friday morning.

“It’s still skunking around,” he said.

He said the forest ranger at the scene was still investigating the cause of the blaze.


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