ORRINGTON – A forest fire that burned 10 to 12 acres on Sunday was intentionally set, according to an Orrington fire official.

Approximately 22 workers continued Monday to clean up the fire, which took place near Swetts Pond off Route 15.

Between eight and 10 members of the Orrington Fire Department, along with 12 inmates from the Charleston Correctional Facility, worked at the operation.

Orrington Fire Chief Mike Spencer said Monday that the Maine Forestry Service has determined that the fire was intentional.

“Four-wheelers were seen in the area, and due to the location of the fire and how it was set, [it] led them to believe it was intentional,” Spencer said.

Cleanup of the damage caused by the forest fire began at 8 a.m. and was still going on at 3:30 p.m., the chief said.

“We still have probably about an hour to an hour and a half worth of actual cleanup left, but with sorting and returning all of the equipment borrowed, we will be working for the rest of the week,” Spencer said Monday afternoon.

The fire was reported between 3:30 and 4 p.m. Sunday, and Orrington Fire and Rescue initially reported to the scene. Firefighters from Holden, Bucksport, Brewer and Eddington also were dispatched.

Trucks and tankers lined the road, and fire personnel rode all-terrain vehicles as they attempted to get closer to the fire. A Maine Forest Service helicopter dropped buckets of water on the fire, and several tanker firetrucks were on hand to put it out.

Equipment to assist in the cleanup was borrowed from the Maine Forestry Department and four other fire departments.

“Many, many feet of hose, probably 2,000 feet, were needed just from the access road we used to get to the fire,” Spencer said.

Crews entered the fire zone from Wild Irish Rose Drive, which is a private road. Choosing the entrance was difficult and could not be determined until Spencer got a birds-eye view from a Maine Forest Service Helicopter.

“The helicopter was crucial, not only in putting out the fire, but in getting me up to see where to go in. Things really changed pace as soon as I knew that,” said Spencer.

Even after the assistance of the helicopter, the operation was not an easy one. According to Spencer, the road of entrance was still very trying even for a four-wheeler.

Those who may know something about the fire can call the fire arson department at (800) 987-0257.