Burn permits and fire pits in Camden, Maine
Yes, with a same-day state burn permit obtained online from the Maine burn permit site. Camden says permits are issued only on Class I and II fire-danger days, and you can only use one when winds are under 10 mph. You must be 18 or older and own the land or have the owner's written consent. Camden's page doesn't address backyard fire pits separately.
| Permit required | Yes, a State of Maine permit obtained the same day [1] |
| Where to get it | Online at the Maine burn permit site [2] |
| Fire danger days allowed | Class I and II only [4] |
| Max wind speed | Under 10 mph [5] |
| Minimum age | 18 [6] |
| Accelerants | Not allowed [8] |
Getting a permit
Camden doesn't allow any open burning without a State of Maine permit, and you have to get it on the same day you burn because conditions change [1]. Permits are obtained online through the Maine burn permit site [2]. Permits aren't issued when the Maine Forest Service rates fire danger "extreme" or "very high," and only a limited number are issued on "high" days [3]. The Fire Department's page also says permits are issued only on Class I and II days [4].
Rules while burning
- Winds must be under 10 mph to use your permit [5].
- You must be at least 18 [6] and own the property or have the owner's written consent [9].
- Print and sign the permit, and keep a hard copy with you while burning [11].
- Don't start the fire with any kind of accelerant [8].
- Put the fire out by the end time on the permit, on the permitted date [7].
- Your fire can't create a nuisance. If the Town gets a complaint, it must investigate and may put the fire out [10]. You may also have to reimburse the cost of fighting a fire that gets away.
Best time to burn
The Fire Department recommends burning when vegetation is damp and wind is calm. November through March typically offer the safest conditions, though even winter vegetation can be dry when snow cover is thin [12].
What isn't covered
Camden's page doesn't separately address recreational fires, fire pits or chimineas, and doesn't list prohibited materials. State law covers those: see the statewide rules on this page for when a campfire needs a permit and what can't be burned. We found no Camden burning ordinance. This answer is based on the Fire Department's burn permit page.
See how Camden compares with 8+ other Maine towns on burn permits & backyard fires →
Next steps
- Check the Maine Forest Service daily fire danger report; permits are issued only on Class I and II days.
- On the day you plan to burn, get a permit online at the Maine burn permit site, then print and sign it.
- Burn only when winds are under 10 mph, without accelerants, and put the fire out by the end time on the permit.
- For questions about fire pits or local conditions, call the Camden Fire Department.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Camden, Maine?
- Yes. Camden doesn't allow any open burning without a State of Maine permit, which you must get online on the same day you burn. You must be at least 18 and own the land or have the owner's written consent.
- When can I burn brush in Camden, Maine?
- Permits are issued only on Class I and II fire-danger days, and you can only use one when winds are under 10 mph. Put the fire out by the end time on the permit.
- Can I use an accelerant to light a fire in Camden, Maine?
- No. Don't start the fire with any kind of accelerant. Your fire also can't create a nuisance, and the Town may put it out if it receives a complaint.
- Does Camden, Maine regulate backyard fire pits?
- Camden's page doesn't address fire pits or recreational fires separately. State law covers those, so check the statewide rules on when a campfire needs a permit.
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
- Fire Department: Burn Permits, Fire Department - Burn Permits (town page), p. 1
Camden does not allow open burning without a permit issued by the State of Maine. You must obtain the permit on the same day you plan to burn, as weather conditions are an important safety consideration.
- Fire Department: Burn Permits, Fire Department - Burn Permits (town page), p. 1
All permits shall be obtained online at Maine Burn Permit site.
- Fire Department: Burn Permits, Fire Department - Burn Permits (town page), p. 1
In the interest of public safety, permits are not issued when the fire danger is determined to be "extreme" or "very high" by the Maine Forest Service, and only a limited number of permits are issued when the danger is "high."
- Fire Department: Burn Permits, safe practices, Fire Department - Burn Permits (town page), p. 1
Burn Permits will be issued only on Class I & II days as determined by the Maine Forest Service.
- Fire Department: Burn Permits, safe practices, Fire Department - Burn Permits (town page), p. 1
Winds must be less than 10 mph in order to use your burn permit.
- Fire Department: Burn Permits, safe practices, Fire Department - Burn Permits (town page), p. 1
You must be at least 18 years of age to obtain an open burning permit.
- Fire Department: Burn Permits, safe practices, Fire Department - Burn Permits (town page), p. 1
All fires must be extinguished on the permitted date and by the end time listed on the permit.
- Fire Department: Burn Permits, safe practices, Fire Department - Burn Permits (town page), p. 1
You may not start a fire with any type of accelerant.
- Fire Department: Burn Permits, safe practices, Fire Department - Burn Permits (town page), p. 1
You must own the property of the burn location or have written consent of the owner
- Fire Department: Burn Permits, safe practices, Fire Department - Burn Permits (town page), p. 1
If the town receives any type of complaint about the burning, we are obligated to investigate and may potentially extinguish fire. The fire you kindle with the burn permit may not create a nuisance to others.
- Fire Department: Burn Permits, safe practices, Fire Department - Burn Permits (town page), p. 1
A hard copy of the permit must be in hand at all times during open burning.
- Fire Department: Burn Permits, Fire Department - Burn Permits (town page), p. 1
Typically November-March offer the safest conditions for open burning, but even during winter vegetation can become dangerously dry when snow cover is sparse