A resilient town has the capabilities required across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk and that’s precisely what am upcoming gathering in Raymond will address.
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| Raymond Cape is a peninsula that juts out into Sebago Lake and only has one road in and out in case of an emergency. Raymond Fire and Rescue will host a Wildland Interface Planning Session at 6 p.m. Oct. 7 for the public to assist the town in planning for emergency situations there and around Raymond. COURTESY PHOTO |
According to Raymond Fire and Rescue Chief Bruce Tupper, this important session is open to the public and all Raymond residents are encouraged to attend.
He says that while the initial focus will be on Raymond Cape, the Raymond Fire and Rescue Department values the input of citizens from every neighborhood and could lead to it becoming a pilot program in Maine for other communities.
Tupper’s department faces unique challenges addressing hazards on Raymond Cape because it has only one road in and out and it covers a six-mile stretch. This makes planning for wildfire and emergency events critical to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles, orderly evacuation routes, and preparedness strategies that require collaboration between Raymond Cape residents and emergency agencies.
The Raymond Cape peninsula juts out into Sebago Lake and is home to many beautiful lakefront homes and a few children’s summer camps. Near the end of Raymond Cape Road is the terminal for the Frye Island Ferry, a nine-car ferry that runs from April to October out to Frye Island on Sebago Lake.
The “wildland-urban interface” refers to areas where homes, businesses, and community structures are built close to forests, fields, and natural landscapes.
Tupper said that these areas are more vulnerable to wildfire, and planning sessions such as this upcoming one helps reduce risk, protect property, and keep residents safe.
“By working together, Raymond can build an atmosphere of resilience and community strength,” Tupper said. “Preparedness is a community effort. Between 85 and 90 percent of all wildland fires are caused by people. Raymond Cape presents special challenges, and we want our residents directly involved in the planning process. Together, with the Town, Emergency Management Agencies, and the Forest Service, we can build resilience and keep Raymond safe.”
Raymond Fire and Rescue Public Information Officer Scott Doyle said that this informational session will bring together Raymond town leaders, Raymond Fire/Rescue personnel, along with representatives of the Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the Maine Forest Service.
“Alongside these partners, citizen participation is vital,” Doyle said. “Residents know their neighborhoods best and can provide valuable insights to guide planning efforts.”
Maine is the most forested state in the nation and averages 650 wildfires each year that typically burn about 550 acres statewide. Those numbers are expected to rise significantly this year though. Through mid-September, the Maine Forest Service reports that there have been more than 700 fires across the state in 2025 with more than 550 total acres burned since January.
The wildfire season in Maine extends between late March and late November but has kept fire crews busy this year thanks to severe drought conditions and campfires, burn piles, powerlines and vehicles, which can ignite tall trees and abundant brush situated close to homes and camps. The wildfire surge has led the Maine Forest Service (MFS) to suspend all debris burning and halt the issuance of new burn permits statewide.
State officials say that it is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to clear brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
For more details about the Wildland Interface Planning Session, visit raymondmaine.org or call Raymond Fire and Rescue at 207-655-1187 or follow updates on the department’s official Facebook page. Also call Brad at 207-775-0800 or send an email to Brad@MaineSEC.com <
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