Burn permits and fire pits in Cumberland, Maine
Cumberland's fire ordinance doesn't set up its own burn permit system, but the Fire/EMS Chief can ban all outdoor burning during serious fire danger, and light household materials like paper and cardboard may only be burned in a screened receptacle with a screened cover. Maine's statewide burn permit rules (shown below) still apply to brush burning and backyard fires.
| Fire-danger bans | Fire/EMS Chief may ban all outdoor burning by published order [1] |
| Burning during a ban | Only with the Chief's specific written permission [1] |
| Paper, cardboard, household accumulation | Only in a screened receptacle with a screened cover (see state-law note) [3] |
| Burning in a public way | Requires the Fire/EMS Chief's written permission [2] |
| Town Forest Fire Warden | Appointed by the Town Manager from Fire/EMS officers [4] |
| Penalty | $5 to $20 per offense [5] |
What Cumberland's ordinance says
Chapter 96, Article I (adopted 1972) is short on burning rules. It doesn't create a local burn permit, set burning hours or list allowed materials for brush piles or fire pits. It does three things:
- Fire-danger bans. When the Chief believes a serious fire hazard exists from drought or other reasons, the Chief may ban all outdoor burning of trash, leaves, grass or other combustible materials by publishing an order in a Portland newspaper. During a ban, outdoor burning is unlawful unless the Chief gives specific written permission [1].
- Public ways. No one may burn anything within the limits of a public way without the Fire/EMS Chief's written permission [2].
- Light household materials. Household accumulation, paper, cardboard and other light combustible material may only be burned in a screened receptacle with a screened covering and under proper safeguards [3]. Maine's open burning rules prohibit burning household trash and similar waste, so state law may override this older provision; don't rely on it to burn trash.
Permits and the town warden
The Town Manager appoints the Town Forest Fire Warden required by state law from among the Fire/EMS Chief and company officers [4]. Under state law, the warden (or the Maine Forest Service online system) issues the burn permits needed for brush burning and most backyard fires; see the state rules on this page.
Penalties
Violations of Article I carry a fine of $5 to $20 per offense [5].
Fire pits
The ordinance doesn't mention recreational fires, fire pits or chimineas. Follow the state rules and check with the Cumberland Fire/EMS Department for current conditions and any active ban.
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Next steps
- Check whether the Cumberland Fire/EMS Chief has issued an outdoor burning ban, and check the Maine Forest Service fire danger report.
- Get a burn permit from the Cumberland Town Forest Fire Warden (Fire/EMS Department) or the Maine Forest Service online system before burning brush or having a fire on bare ground.
- Burn only clean wood and brush; do not burn household trash, plastics or treated wood.
- Never burn within a public road right-of-way without the Fire/EMS Chief's written permission.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Cumberland, Maine?
- Cumberland's fire ordinance doesn't set up its own burn permit system, but Maine's statewide burn permit rules apply. Get a permit from the Town Forest Fire Warden or the Maine Forest Service online system before burning brush or having a fire on bare ground.
- Can Cumberland, Maine ban outdoor burning?
- Yes. When there's a serious fire hazard, the Fire/EMS Chief may ban all outdoor burning by published order. During a ban, burning is unlawful unless the Chief gives specific written permission.
- Can I burn paper or cardboard in Cumberland, Maine?
- The ordinance allows light household materials like paper and cardboard only in a screened receptacle with a screened cover. Maine's open burning rules prohibit burning household trash, so state law may override that. Don't rely on it to burn trash.
- Does Cumberland, Maine regulate fire pits?
- The ordinance doesn't mention fire pits, recreational fires or chimineas. Follow the state rules and check with the Cumberland Fire/EMS Department for current conditions and any active ban.
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
- § 96-5A, Chapter 96 Fires and Fire Protection
The Chief shall, by publication of appropriate orders in a Portland newspaper, prohibit or ban all outdoor burning of trash, leaves, grass or other combustible materials for such period of time as he deems necessary when in his opinion a condition of serious fire hazard exists due to drought or other reasons. During the period of such prohibition or ban, it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to burn, kindle, ignite, or set fire to trash, lumber, leaves, straw, grass or other combustible materials anywhere outdoors, except that during such period of ban or prohibition the Chief may grant specific written permission for such burning at such a time and in such a manner as he deems necessary to assure safe control of the fire.
- § 96-5C(6), Chapter 96 Fires and Fire Protection
Burn, kindle, set fire to or ignite any combustible material of any sort within the limits of any public way within the Town without the written permission of the Fire/EMS Chief.
- § 96-5C(7), Chapter 96 Fires and Fire Protection
Burn, kindle, or ignite or set fire to any household accumulation, paper, cardboard or other light combustible material, on his own land or elsewhere, except such burning shall be done in a screened receptacle having a screened covering and under proper safeguards.
- § 96-4 Forest Fire Warden, Chapter 96 Fires and Fire Protection
The Town Manager shall appoint the Town Forest Fire Warden required under the provisions of the general statutes from among the Fire/EMS Chief and the officers of the various companies.
- § 96-6 Violations and penalties, Chapter 96 Fires and Fire Protection
Any person or persons found guilty of a violation of this article shall be fined not less than $5 nor more than $20 for each offense.