Burn permits and fire pits in Bath, Maine
Yes, with a burn permit for brush, leaves and campfires. Bath has no burning ordinance of its own: get a free permit online through the state's Maine Open Burn Permit System or at the fire station on the day you burn. Under the Fire Department's guide, a fire bowl, chiminea or outdoor fireplace doesn't need a permit but must sit at least 15 feet from buildings, combustibles and property lines.
| Where to get a permit | Maine Open Burn Permit System online, or free at the fire station [1] |
| When to get it | The same day you plan to burn [1] |
| Recreational fire size that needs a permit (since Oct. 25, 2023) | Flames over 3 ft high and 3 ft in diameter [2] |
| Fire bowls, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces | At least 15 ft from structures, combustibles and property lines [4] |
| Campfire not in a fireplace | Permit required (none needed on snow-covered ground) [5] |
| Campfire pit or ring size | Under 3 ft across, pile under 2 ft high [6] |
| Brush, leaves, deadwood, construction materials | Permit required [7] |
| No burning when winds exceed (or fire danger above class 2) | 15 mph [8] |
Who regulates burning in Bath
Bath's Code of Ordinances has no open-burning or fire-pit chapter. Chapter 8 (Fire Prevention) only bans new outdoor wood boilers and outdoor furnaces, other than units legally operating as of January 23, 2007 [9]. Backyard fires are handled by Bath Fire & Rescue under state open burning law. Permits come from the state's online Maine Open Burn Permit System or free at the fire station, and you must get the permit on the day you burn because conditions change [1].
Fire pits, fire bowls and campfires
The Fire Department's pamphlet lists the legal types of outdoor burning. Cooking on a standard barbecue is allowed. Outdoor fireplaces, portable fire bowls and chimineas must be at least 15 feet from any structure, combustible material and property line [4]. A campfire that isn't in a fireplace needs a permit, but is allowed without one on snow-covered ground [5]. The fire has to be in a pit or ring less than 3 feet across, with the pile under 2 feet high [6]. Separately, the Fire & Rescue page says that since October 25, 2023, any recreational fire with flames over 3 feet high and 3 feet in diameter needs a permit [2]. For a concrete or steel backyard fire pit, the department asks you to check with it about seasonal campfire permits.
Brush and yard debris
Burning construction materials, leaves, brush, deadwood and tree cuttings from normal property upkeep requires a permit [7]. Trash burning is not allowed. A responsible adult must attend the fire, and you need a hose or extinguisher on hand.
When you can't burn
No outdoor burning is allowed in winds over 15 mph or when the state fire danger rating is above class 2 [8]. It is unlawful to burn outside in an area under a Red Flag Warning [3].
About the pamphlet
The pamphlet is undated and still points to wardensreport.com for permits, while the current Burn Permits page links the state system, so it may be older than the page. The page's October 2023 rule is about larger recreational fires (over 3 feet high and 3 feet across), while the pamphlet requires a permit for any campfire that isn't in a fireplace or on snow. If the two seem to disagree for your fire, ask the Fire Department.
See how Bath compares with 8+ other Maine towns on burn permits & backyard fires →
Next steps
- For brush, leaves or a campfire on bare ground, request a free permit the same day through the Maine Open Burn Permit System (linked from Bath Fire & Rescue's Burn Permits page), or in person at the fire station, 864 High Street, 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Check the fire danger and wind first. Don't burn in winds over 15 mph, above class 2 fire danger, or under a Red Flag Warning.
- Set fire bowls, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces at least 15 feet from buildings, anything combustible and your property lines.
- Have a hose or extinguisher ready and an adult present the whole time. Burn only clean wood and brush, never trash.
- Questions about backyard fire pits: call Bath Fire & Rescue at 207-443-5034.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Bath, Maine?
- Yes, for brush, leaves and deadwood, for campfires that aren't in a fireplace or on snow-covered ground, and for any recreational fire with flames over 3 feet high and 3 feet across. Get a free permit online through the Maine Open Burn Permit System or at the fire station, on the day you burn.
- Where do I get a burn permit in Bath, Maine?
- Online through the state's Maine Open Burn Permit System, linked from Bath Fire & Rescue's Burn Permits page, or free in person at the fire station, 864 High Street, 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Can I have a fire pit in Bath, Maine?
- Yes. The Fire Department's guide allows outdoor fireplaces, fire bowls and chimineas at least 15 feet from buildings, combustible material and property lines. A campfire not in a fireplace needs a permit and must be in a pit or ring under 3 feet across, with the pile under 2 feet high. For a backyard fire pit, check with the department.
- When is outdoor burning not allowed in Bath, Maine?
- Not in winds over 15 mph, when the state fire danger rating is above class 2, or under a Red Flag Warning. Trash burning is not allowed.
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
- Bath Fire & Rescue, Burn Permits, Bath Fire & Rescue - Burn Permits page
Individuals may obtain a burn permit online through the Maine Open Burn Permit System. Permits are also available free of charge at the fire station. Individuals must obtain the permit the day the burn is planned due to changing fire and weather conditions.
- Burn Permits FAQ, large recreational fires, Bath Fire & Rescue - Burn Permits page
As of Oct 25, 2023, all recreational fires with flame lengths greater than 3 feet high and 3 feet in diameter require burn permits.
- Burn Permits FAQ, Red Flag Warning, Bath Fire & Rescue - Burn Permits page
It is unlawful to burn outside in an area that is under a Red Flag Warning.
- Legal Types of Outdoor Burning in Bath, item 2, Bath Fire Department - Public Guide for Legal Types of Outdoor Burning (pamphlet), p. 2
These shall be at least 15 feet from a structure, combustible material and property lines.
- Legal Types of Outdoor Burning in Bath, item 3, Bath Fire Department - Public Guide for Legal Types of Outdoor Burning (pamphlet), p. 2
Campfires not in a fireplace shall require a permit. Campfires are defined as burning clean, dry, cord type firewood as in a standard campfire setting. Campfires are allowed on snow covered ground without a permit.
- Legal Types of Outdoor Burning in Bath, item 3, Bath Fire Department - Public Guide for Legal Types of Outdoor Burning (pamphlet), p. 2
The fire must be in a pit or fire ring, less than 3 feet in diameter with pile less than 2 feet in height.
- Additional Rules That Apply to Legal Types of Outdoor Burning in Bath, Bath Fire Department - Public Guide for Legal Types of Outdoor Burning (pamphlet), p. 2
Construction materials, leaves, brush, deadwood and tree cuttings accrued from normal property maintenance requires a permit.
- Additional Rules That Apply to Legal Types of Outdoor Burning in Bath, Bath Fire Department - Public Guide for Legal Types of Outdoor Burning (pamphlet), p. 2
No outdoor burning is allowed if winds are greater than 15 mph or the State Forest Division has classified the fire danger as more than a class 2 day.
- Ch. 8, Art. 3, Sec. 8-201(2), Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 - Fire Prevention, p. 7
The use, construction, maintenance, or operation of an outdoor furnace or outdoor wood boiler, other than those legally in existence and operation as of January 23, 2007, is prohibited in the City of Bath.