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Biddeford firefighter Ryan Jubb drags a hose through the woods while battling a fire Aug. 13. Maine authorities are warning of continued high fire danger amid a weekslong drought. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette\/Staff Photographer) <\/p>\n
Maine authorities have restricted outdoor burning permits during much of August as the state grapples with a mix of summer heat<\/a>, a weekslong drought<\/a> and high wildfire danger<\/a>.<\/p>\n But what does that mean for Mainers? Can you legally use your fire pit or grill? Are burn permits being issued? And what can you do to prevent wildfires?<\/p>\n Terri Teller, a ranger and fire prevention specialist with the Maine Forest Service, helped answer some questions about burning in Maine, including what you need a burn permit for, how burn permit availability is decided and what can happen if you violate Maine\u2019s burning laws.<\/p>\n Q: What kinds of fires require permits?<\/p>\n A: Debris burning and large campfires.<\/p>\n By state law, open debris burning requires a permit.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s any kind of fire meant to dispose of yard debris or other materials,\u201d Teller said.<\/p>\n Recreational campfires that exceed 3 feet in diameter or 3 feet in height also require a permit. Campfires smaller than that\u00a0\u2014 most backyard firepits \u2014\u00a0do not require a permit\u00a0and are still allowed.<\/p>\n Recreational campfires that exceed 3 feet in diameter or 3 feet in height require a burn permit in Maine. Permits have recently been restricted in many parts of the state because of the ongoing drought. (Travis Barrett\/Staff Writer) <\/p>\n Q: Can I use my grill?<\/p>\n A: Yes.<\/p>\n Outdoor grills and fireplaces can be used for food preparation without a permit, unless prohibited by a local ordinance. That also includes grills and fireplaces at commercial campgrounds, so long as the campground is licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services.<\/p>\n Q: Are burn permits being issued in Maine right now?<\/p>\n A: It depends on the day and where you live.<\/p>\n Burning permits are not allowed in an area if the wildfire danger is considered high, very high or extreme.<\/p>\n If the risk to an area is considered moderate or below, the state\u2019s online burn permit system will be up and running in that area.<\/p>\n \u201cThe last few days, up north, it was lower because they got more rain than others did,\u201d Teller said Monday. \u201cSo, the burn permit system is on in those areas.\u201d<\/p>\n From there, municipalities have the final say as to when permits can be issued in their town or city. Officials consider weather conditions, the size of a fire and whether the applicant has sufficient resources to contain the fire.<\/p>\n \u201cWe support (local authorities) in making the decisions that make sense for them,\u201d Teller said. \u201cSome towns are instituting more strict requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n![\"map](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1756340589_953_thumbnail.jpeg\")
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