Maine Open Burn Permit

You must agree to the following before a burn permit will be issued:

Rules & Agreement

Burning brush piles can be dangerous and if not done carefully, the fire could escape and threaten property and lives. Please read through the following rules and agree to the requirements before clicking Continue

What can I burn with an online burn permit?

This system is for brush piles, wood debris and agricultural burns only. For campfire permits in organized towns, please contact the local fire dept. For campfire permits are authorized permit sites in the unorganized territories, contact the MFS Regional Headquarters (M - F between 8am and 4pm). Augusta 207-624-3700, Old Town 207-827-1800, Ashland 207-435-7963

When can I obtain an online burn permit?

Online burn permits are only available between 9am and midnight. This is because the daily fire danger rating comes out at 9am and burning is only allowed when the fire danger rating is either low or moderate. No burning is allowed when the fire danger rating is high, very high or extreme.

What if I desire to burn in the morning, before 9am?

If you want to burn early in the morning, before 9am, you will need to acquire your burn permit prior to midnight on the night before you burn. Then, at 9am, your permit expires. If you haven’t completed your burn, you will have to check the daily fire danger rating. If it is low or moderate, then you can acquire another online burn permit and continue your burn. At 9am, if the daily fire danger rating is high, very high or extreme, you will have to extinguish the fire and check the system on another day to see if burning is allowed.

How do I know when it’s safe to burn my brush pile?

Online Burn Permits are only valid on low fire danger days or moderate fire danger days. The daily fire danger rating is posted at 9am at www.mainefireweather.org. If the fire danger is high, online burn permits will not be issued. The permittee is responsible for checking the daily fire danger rating and could be summonsed if they are burning during high, very high or extreme fire danger.

I understand that fires become more active during the afternoon. What are the allowable burn times?

Please read your permit carefully and only burn during the times listed. If the daily fire danger rating is low, burning is allowed within a 24 hour period between 9am and 9am the following day. By law, your fire must be totally out before leaving it unattended. Although some Town Fire Wardens allow daytime burning on moderate fire danger days, the default setting for allowable burn times on moderate fire danger days is after 5:00pm.

Do I need a burn permit for a bonfire or other type of large recreational fire (not a brush pile fire)?

As of Oct 25, 2023, all recreational fires larger than 3 feet high and 3 feet in diameter will require burn permits.

Can I use this system for a campfire in a designated permit site?

No, this system is currently only for brush pile burns. For campfire permits in the organized towns, please contact the local fire dept. Campfire permits for authorized permit sites in the unorganized townships can be obtained by calling the MFS Regional Headquarters (M - F between 8am and 4pm). Augusta 207-624-3700, Old Town 207-827-1800, Ashland 207-435-7963.

By checking this box, I attest that I've read the rules stated above. I understand that this online burn permit will only be valid for the allowable burn times listed on the permit. Burning outside of the allowable burn times is a violation of title 12 Section 9321 and could result in court time and fines. I also agree to not burn when the fire danger rating is high, very high or extreme and never leave the fire unattended.*

Exit

Questions about this service? Contact the Maine Forest Service at: (800) 750-9777 or email Maine.ForestRangers@maine.gov.

Application Progress

Municipality & Type
Applicant & Burn Information
Minimum Requirements
Confirmation

Maine.gov