AUGUSTA - The danger of forest fires in Maine has increased and state officials are urging residents to leave their burn piles alone for now.

The Maine Forest Service says the forest fire danger increased yesterday from moderate to high in all areas of the state.

High winds and low humidity have combined to create dangerous conditions that could allow wildfires to spread rapidly, especially in the center of the state and Down East areas.

With no significant rainfall predicted for the next several days, Mainers are being advised not to burn their brush piles until the fire danger returns to moderate or low.

The forest fire danger report can be found online at www.maineforestservice.gov.