Burn Permits

A recreational campfire is an outdoor fire that is used for cooking, personal warmth, light, ceremonial, or aesthetic purposes, and that is not a part of debris disposal (AKA burning brush). It is unlawful to have a recreational campfire on the land of another without the landowner’s permission. Many Maine landowners designate campsite areas for public use; these sites give the public permission to have campfires on their land when not under an active fire restriction and with the proper permits as needed.

As of Oct 25, 2023, all recreational fires with flame lengths greater than 3 feet high and 3 feet in diameter require burn permits.

We recommend checking with the fire department if you have any questions regarding seasonal campfire permits for backyard campfires.

Red Flag Warnings are issued in collaboration with the Maine Forest Service and the National Weather Service during periods of high wildfire potential. When Red Flag Warnings occur, they shut down a specific geographical area for a stated period of time. Example: “The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Sagadahoc County today from 11 am to 7 pm, due to high temperatures, gusty winds, and low relative humidity. These factors produce an increased risk of fire danger.” It is unlawful to burn outside in an area that is under a Red Flag Warning.

It depends on the type of fuel that is being used for cooking and whether you live in an organized or unorganized territory. The use of charcoal grills and solid fuels have always required recreational campfire permits when kindling a fire on land of another or within Maine’s unorganized territories. Wood fired or charcoal grills can’t be used in Maine’s unorganized territories or on property you don’t own, if the area is under Red Flag Warnings.

State law requires a burn permit for fires that have a flame length greater than 3 feet high and 3 feet in diameter. This type of fire pit would be restricted during a Red Flag Warning. We recommend checking with the local fire department.