Photo: Kev from Pixabay
By Zendelle Bouchard
The short answer to whether fires in fire pits require a burn permit is “maybe.” Maine residents and visitors need to be aware of a new law passed by the state in 2023 regarding recreational fires, including the use of fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and campfires for cooking, personal warmth, light, ceremonial or aesthetic purposes.
If you want to have an open fire of three feet or more in diameter on your property, or with flames at least three feet high, you need a burn permit. The permits are free and there are two ways to get one: in person at either of the Sanford fire stations, or online from the state . http://www.maineburnpermit.com or http://www.wardensreport.com.
Permits are only issued when the fire danger is rated “low” or “moderate.” The daily fire danger is updated by 9 am each day at this website. When the fire danger is rated at “high” or above, the Maine Forest Service and National Weather Service will declare a Red Flag Warning, and no burn permits will be issued that day.
A permit is not required for recreational fires less than three feet in diameter, with flames less than three feet high. Most free-standing metal fire pits like the kind you can purchase at our local stores would not require a permit as long as you keep the flame height under three feet. However, it is important to check the fire danger page before starting any fire, because if a Red Flag Warning has been declared, fires of any size are not allowed, including charcoal grills. One exception to this rule is for a campground that is licensed and has an approved fire safety plan in place prior to the Red Flag Warning; then small recreational campfires are allowed.
Things to keep in mind:
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