Bar Harbor in Hancock County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)

Mt. Desert Island

The Forest Fires of 1947

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 16, 2024

1. Mt. Desert Island marker

Inscription. In 1947, the State of Maine suffered its largest forest fire disaster in modern history. The state experienced over 90 consecutive days of record breaking high temperatures and drought. By mid-October, many small wildfires started and spread out of control. Statewide, these fires burned over 220,000 acres, burned 1000 homes, left 2500 people homeless and 16 people dead. The damages totaled over 11 million dollars at the time. This map indicates the major fires of October 1947 and an enlarged view of the major fires in this part of the state.

In the last 70 years, firefighting equipment, communication, training and fire prevention efforts have improved considerably, but humans still cause over 90% of wildfires in Maine. Maine's Forest Rangers encourage you to remember the hard lessons of the past and be careful with all outdoor fires. For more information on how you can help prevent wildfires, please visit www.maineforestservice.gov

A reminder from the Maine Forest Service Forest Protection Division Part of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these

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topic lists: Disasters • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.

Location. 44° 23.294′ N, 68° 12.336′ W. Marker is in Bar Harbor, Maine, in Hancock County. It is on Firefly Lane, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 37 Firefly Lane, Bar Harbor ME 04609, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Mount Desert Island

and in Downeast Maine. It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also Acadia.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Bar Harbor Fire Department / Les Pompiers de Bar Harbor (here, next to this marker); Donald A. Wood Band Stand (within shouting distance of this marker); Village Green (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Village Green (about 300 feet away); Veterans Memorial

Mt. Desert Island Markem image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 16, 2024

2. Mt. Desert Island Markem

(about 300 feet away); The Village Green / Le Jardin Public (about 300 feet away); Civil War Memorial (about 400 feet away); The Abbe Museum & Congregational Church / Le Musée Abbe et L'Élise Congrégationaliste (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bar Harbor.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 140 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.