Burn Permits

burn permits

The Communications Center will not know if they can issue burning permits until approximately 9:00am each morning when the Fire Class Day is announced. This class day is determined by the Maine Forestry Service.

Burning permits are now available online! The state allows burning on Class 1 & 2 Fire Class Days.

Fire Classes are as follows:
Class 1: Low
Class 2: Moderate
Class 3: High
Class 4: Very High
Class 5: Extreme

Fire Permits will be issued under the following conditions:

  • Fire Class Day ONE & TWO
  • Wind speed and wind gusts less than 10 MPH (5 MPH or less for burning a field)
  • National Weather Bureau forecasts winds to be 10 MPH or less

Fire Permits will not be issued under the following conditions:

  • Fire Class day THREE, FOUR, or FIVE
  • Any Class Day with winds exceeding 10 MPH

Safety Requirements for all burning:

  • No burning within 50 feet of any structure
  • An adult must be present at all times
  • Hand tools (brooms, shovels, rakes, etc.)
  • Water supply if possible (charged garden hose)
  • No burning on paved asphalt
  • All permitted burns must be completely extinguished by 2400 hours unless special permission is obtained from the Fire Chief to burn overnight.
  • Permits on town property require a permitee over 21 years of age who is present at all times.

Fire Permits may be revoked under the following conditions:

  • During a period of high forest fire danger
  • Where a nuisance condition is created
  • When permit conditions are not followed

Schedule for issuing burning permits:

  • During the hours of 9:00am to 11:59pm when the Class Day is a Class 1 & 2 and winds are less than 10mph.
    OR:
  • When the Maine Forest Service has discontinued the Class Day announcements for the season and the winds are appropriate for burning.

Keep Constant Watch on Fire and make sure that it is completely extinguished before leaving. The burning permit is granted in good faith that the fire is carefully watched and controlled by a sufficient force of adults and adequate equipment. You shall be liable for suppression costs if the fire escapes due to negligence or not following the safety requirements listed above. All open burning shall be in conformity to existing laws and regulations of the Maine Forest Service, Department of Environmental Protection and local municipal ordinances. In accordance with Title 12 Statutes,the out-of-door burning of plastic, rubber, Styrofoam, metals, food wastes, chemicals, treated (painted) wood or other solid wastes, is prohibited in all areas of the State. Any person who engages in out-of-door burning who fails to comply with any stated permit condition or restriction commits a Class E crime.