A Madawaska landowner was arrested Monday night as firefighters attempted to bring fires spread among 20 debris piles under control, officials say.

The Madawaska Fire Department responded to what was originally reported as a roughly 3-acre forest fire spreading up a hill near Beaulieu Road at about 8:35 p.m. on Monday, the department said in a news release Tuesday. Firefighters determined the flames, stemming from debris piles, originated on a property on Gagnon Road.

Upon arrival, crews found 20 to 30 large slash piles — debris piles consisting of branches, brush and other organic materials — ablaze with flames 10 to 20 feet high, the department said. The piles were spread across a roughly 14-acre area. Two other piles were also burning across the street.

The landowner had a burn permit but was not in control of the fires, according to the fire department.

Firefighters prioritized several piles that posed the highest risk of spreading, the department said.

“While fighting the fires, firefighters had to shelter behind apparatus while the landowner was subdued by police for driving erratically, potentially threatening the well-being of firefighters,” the fire department stated.

Madawaska Police Chief Jamie Pelletier said in an email Wednesday that the landowner, Denis Dionne, 50, of Madawaska, was stopped by officers and probable cause was established that he was operating under the influence.

Dionne was taken to the police department and a breathalyzer test was conducted, Pelletier said. The landowner was charged with operating under the influence, the police chief said, and was released on personal recognizance bail, but other charges may come.

Firefighting efforts resumed and a fire watch was set up for the remainder of the night, the fire department said.

Nearly 20 firefighters responded, the department said, with the Maine Forest Service providing assistance.