Forest service offers reward for arson tips

JAY – Maine Forest Service rangers from the Department of Conservation are asking anyone with information concerning the recent forest fire in Jay to call the Maine Wildland Arson Reward Program at (800) 987-0257. The fire was reported at about 3 a.m. May 12.

The fire was in a wooded area just north of Route 140, about halfway between the Jay and Canton town lines. It burned about 2.5 acres of timber before firefighters and forest rangers gained control.

Rangers believe the fire was of suspicious origin and human-related. It is hoped that information will aid the investigation. A cash reward of up to $2,000 is available for information leading to an arrest or conviction. Calls will be kept in strict confidence. The Wildland Arson reporting line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.