Burn permits and fire pits in Auburn, Maine
Yes, with a free burn permit from the Auburn Fire Department or the state's online system. You can burn clean brush, deadwood and tree cuttings from your own yard at least 50 feet from buildings and 25 feet from roads, but not leaves or trash. The city's 2013 guidelines say fire pits need no permit, but state rules since October 2023 require one for any fire larger than 3 x 3 feet.
| Brush burning | Allowed with a Fire Department permit [2] |
| Permit cost | Free (any of 3 fire stations or online) [7] |
| Distance from structures | 50 ft minimum [3] |
| Distance from public ways | 25 ft minimum [3] |
| Attendance | Constantly attended, hose or extinguisher ready [4] |
| Fire pits (city 2013 guideline) | No permit if they meet open burning requirements; state now requires a permit over 3x3 ft [5] |
| Illegal burning response charge | $250 per hour [8] |
Brush burning
Under the Auburn Fire Department's open burning guidelines, you can burn brush, deadwood and tree cuttings from normal upkeep of your own property, but only with a permit from the Fire Department and under the permit's conditions [1][2]. Only clean wood may be burned [10]. The guidelines prohibit tires, rubber, tar, paint or solvent sludge, asphalt shingles, rubbish, garbage, paper and cardboard, wire insulation, animal remains and leaves. Note that the city's guidelines list leaves as prohibited, which is stricter than state rules (which allow leaf burning with a permit). Permits are free at any of the city's three fire stations, or online through the state's system [7].
Where and how
A permitted fire must be at least 50 feet from any structure and 25 feet from any public way [3]. Someone competent must attend it until it's out, with a garden hose connected or other extinguishing equipment at hand [4]. The Fire Department sets burning hours and can cancel all burning in a dry spell [9]. A fire that becomes a nuisance or a danger will be put out and that day's permit revoked [6]. The city charges $250 per hour for responding to an illegal or unauthorized burn [8].
Fire pits and backyard fires
The city's guidelines date from 2013. They say no permit is needed for gas or charcoal grills, campfires on snow-covered ground, or outdoor fireplaces and fire pits that meet the open burning requirements [5]. State rules have changed since then. As of October 2023, the Maine Forest Service requires a permit for any fire larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, including fires once treated as "recreational." State law may override the city's older no-permit statement for larger fire pits. A fire pit bigger than 3x3 ft needs a permit, and a small one is safest to confirm with the Fire Department.
Check the day you burn
The Fire Department recommends calling Central Station after 9:00 a.m. on the day you plan to burn to confirm burning is allowed. The city's fire code chapter on Municode wasn't available for this review.
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Next steps
- Get a free burn permit at any Auburn fire station or online through the Maine Forest Service burn permit system (linked from the city's Permits page), available 9am to midnight.
- On the day you burn, call the Fire Department's Central Station (207-333-6633, ext. 1) after 9:00 a.m. to confirm burning is allowed.
- Set the pile at least 50 ft from buildings and 25 ft from roads, clear overhead branches, and keep a connected garden hose at hand.
- Burn only clean wood (no leaves, trash, cardboard or painted or treated wood), and stay with the fire until it's out.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Auburn, Maine?
- Yes, for brush burning. Get a free burn permit at any of Auburn's three fire stations or online through the state's system. You can burn clean brush, deadwood and tree cuttings from your own yard, but not leaves or trash.
- How far from my house does a brush fire have to be in Auburn, Maine?
- At least 50 feet from any structure and 25 feet from any public way. Someone must attend the fire until it's out, with a garden hose connected or other extinguishing equipment at hand.
- Do I need a permit for a fire pit in Auburn, Maine?
- It depends on size. The city's 2013 guidelines say fire pits that meet open burning requirements need no permit, but since October 2023 state rules require a permit for any fire larger than 3 by 3 feet, and state law may override the older city statement. Confirm small fire pits with the Fire Department.
- How do I know if burning is allowed today in Auburn, Maine?
- Call the Fire Department's Central Station at 207-333-6633, ext. 1, after 9:00 a.m. on the day you plan to burn. The Fire Department sets burning hours and can cancel all burning in a dry spell.
- What is the fine for illegal burning in Auburn, Maine?
- The city charges $250 per hour for responding to an illegal or unauthorized burn. A fire that becomes a nuisance or a danger will be put out and that day's permit revoked.
Maine state burn permit rules
Maine law (12 M.R.S. §9324–9325) and the DEP open burning rule apply in every town. Towns can be stricter, and some ban brush burning entirely.
You need a burn permit from your town forest fire warden or the Maine Forest Service for:
- Burning leaves, brush, deadwood and tree cuttings from normal upkeep of your own property.
- A recreational campfire when the ground isn't covered by snow.
- Any recreational fire larger than 3 ft across and 3 ft high (Forest Service guidance since Oct. 25, 2023).
No permit needed for:
- A campfire on snow-covered ground or a frozen pond, up to 3 ft wide and 3 ft high.
- Residential outdoor grills and fireplaces used for things like cooking, up to 3 ft by 3 ft.
Getting a permit: Online permits from the Maine Forest Service have been free since Oct. 2021, and you can request them 9am to midnight. Your town warden can also write you a permit for free. Check the daily fire danger report, because permits depend on conditions.
Banned everywhere: Burning trash, plastic, rubber, Styrofoam, metal, food waste, chemicals, treated wood or other solid waste. Only clean wood waste and the wood part of construction debris may be burned. No open burning at all, campfires included, in an area under a red flag warning.
You must burn at a suitable time and with care. You can be sued if your fire damages someone else's property.
What the ordinance says
- Auburn Fire Department Open Burning guidelines (June 26, 2013), 1. Open Fires, Auburn Fire Department Open Burning guidelines (2013-06-26), p. 1
When not prohibited by State Statute, Municipal Ordinance, or NFPA 1, the following types of burning are permissible, if a permit has been obtained from the Auburn Fire Department, so long as the burning is conducted according to the terms and conditions of such permit and provided no nuisance is created:
- Open Burning guidelines, 1. Open Fires, Auburn Fire Department Open Burning guidelines (2013-06-26), p. 1
Open burning of brush, deadwood, and tree cuttings accrued from normal property maintenance by the individual landowner or lessee of the land, unless expressly prohibited by municipal ordinance.
- Open Burning guidelines, 2. Requirements, Auburn Fire Department Open Burning guidelines (2013-06-26), p. 1
Permitted fires shall be no fewer than 50 ft. (15m) from any structure. Permitted fires shall be no fewer than 25 ft. (7.6m) from any public way.
- Open Burning guidelines, 2. Requirements, Auburn Fire Department Open Burning guidelines (2013-06-26), p. 1
Open fires and cooking fires shall be constantly attended by a competent person until such fire is extinguished. This person shall have a garden hose connected to the water supply or other fire-extinguishing equipment readily available for use.
- Open Burning guidelines, 3. Unpermitted Burning, Auburn Fire Department Open Burning guidelines (2013-06-26), p. 2
No permit is required for the use of outside fireplaces and/or fire pits as long as they meet the requirements for open burning.
- Open Burning guidelines, 4. Prohibited, Auburn Fire Department Open Burning guidelines (2013-06-26), p. 2
Fires that create a nuisance or are considered dangerous by the fire department staff will be extinguished and the permit for that day revoked.
- Fire Department FAQs, What permits are issued by the fire department?, Fire Department FAQs (permits issued by the fire department, burn permits, fireworks)
Burn permits can be obtained at any of our three stations for no charge.
- Appendix A, Fire Prevention and Protection, Appendix A - Fees and Charges, Master Fee Schedule (as passed 2026-07-20), p. 8
Illegal/unauthorized burning response, per $250.00 hour
- Open Burning guidelines, 2. Requirements, Auburn Fire Department Open Burning guidelines (2013-06-26), p. 1
When there is a dry spell or weather conditions that could affect open burning, the AHJ will have the authority to cancel all open burning.
- Open Burning guidelines, 1. Open Fires, Auburn Fire Department Open Burning guidelines (2013-06-26), p. 1
Only clean wood can be burned.