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Do you need a permit for a fire pit in Maine?

Author

Daniel Hoffman

Published Jun 19, 2026

Do you need a permit for a fire pit in Maine?

A permit is required for: A. Recreational campfires kindled when the ground is not covered by snow; [PL 1991, c. Burning for agricultural purposes including, but not limited to, open burning of blueberry fields, potato tops and hayfields and prescribed burning for timberland management; [PL 1991, c.

Can you burn in Maine today?

Although permits can be requested 24 hours a day, the default setting for allowable burn times is after 5:00pm and before 9:00am for unorganized towns, plantations and most towns. The exception to the default “after 5pm” restriction is when there is a steady rain or the ground is completely covered in snow.

How do I get a burn permit in Maine?

Burn permits are available at required by law, and are valid for 24 hours. Handwritten burn permits may also be obtained through local fire departments and town offices.

Are campfires allowed in Maine right now?

Campfires are still allowed on personal property, although officials urge Mainers to be extremely careful if they have one. As of Monday, Rangers reported 663 wildfires in 2020, burning 847 acres.

Can you burn cardboard in Maine?

C. No person, firm, corporation, association, municipal or state agency shall engage in any open burning except in conformity with Section 2. NOTE: Paper or cardboard may be burned as kindling only in amounts necessary to ensure ignition of fires pursuant to Sections 2(A) and 2(B) of this rule.

Can you have a fire on the beach in Maine?

Beach campfires on any of the City public beaches require a permit which is only valid on the day of issue. Beach campfires must be contained in a metal container. No ashes are to be left on the beach. No campfire shall be allowed within 100 feet of any posted “Birds Nesting” site.

Are campfires legal?

No, it is not generally illegal to start a campfire on most federally managed lands. Each of the six agencies that manage federal lands have rules in place on starting a campfire, where it can be started, and how it must be supervised. But generally speaking, campfires are permitted.

What can I burn in my fire pit?

The best material to burn in your backyard fire pit is wood, including:

  • Pinion wood.
  • Alder.
  • Cedar.
  • Oak.
  • Hickory.
  • Mesquite.
  • Pecan.
  • Fruit woods like apple and cherry.

Can you have fires on the ice in Maine?

Maine’s revised statute on open burning (9325) reads that “open burning without permit is permissible on frozen bodies of water, when not prohibited by state rule, local ordinance or water utility regulation and as long as no nuisance is created.” The Maine warden service reports that “a fire on the ice is permissible …