Burn permits and fire pits in Falmouth, Maine
Yes, with a burn permit. Falmouth issues burn permits in person at the Police Department (2 Marshall Drive, after 9 am), or you can get one free online from the State of Maine, and permits aren't issued when conditions are unfavorable. For backyard fire pits, Falmouth Fire-EMS recommends keeping the pit at least 30 feet from any combustible structure and 15 feet clear of overhanging branches and brush.
| Where to get a burn permit | In person at Falmouth Police Department, 2 Marshall Drive (after 9 am), or free online through the State of Maine [1] |
| When permits are refused | When conditions aren't favorable for outside burning [2] |
| Permit holder | Must be present at all times and follow the permit's guidelines [2] |
| Fire pit distance from combustible structures (recommended) | At least 30 feet [3] |
| Clearance from overhanging branches (recommended) | 15 feet [4] |
| Clear zone around fire pit (recommended) | 15 feet free of underbrush and un-mowed grass [5] |
| Smoke nuisance | You may be asked to put the fire out [6] |
Burn permits
Falmouth doesn't have its own open-burning ordinance in the sources we reviewed; burning is handled through burn permits. You can apply in person at the Falmouth Police Department at 2 Marshall Drive after 9 am, or online through the State of Maine for free [1]. Permits aren't issued when conditions are unfavorable for outdoor burning, and the permit holder must stay with the fire the whole time and follow the guidelines printed on the permit [2]. Statewide rules on what needs a permit, and what may never be burned, are summarized in the Maine section of this page.
Backyard fire pits
Falmouth Fire-EMS publishes recommendations for residential fire pits. These are guidelines rather than ordinance rules:
- Keep the fire pit at least 30 feet from any combustible structure [3].
- Clear leaves, twigs and grass around the pit for a distance equal to the pit's diameter.
- Make sure no overhanging branches are closer than 15 feet [4].
- Keep the area clear of underbrush and un-mowed grass for 15 feet in every direction, and have water on hand [5].
The undated brochure says Maine has no regulations for fire pits; check the Maine section of this page for the current state permit rules for recreational fires. If your smoke is a nuisance to neighbors you may be asked to put the fire out [6]. In a densely populated neighborhood, Fire-EMS suggests a smaller pit.
What not to burn
The Fire-EMS brochure lists materials that produce dangerous or toxic smoke, including treated wood, plastics, Styrofoam, tires, asphalt shingles, trash and food waste. It also says never to burn wood on air quality alert days [7].
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Next steps
- Check the day's fire danger class before planning to burn; permits aren't issued in unfavorable conditions.
- Get a burn permit online from the State of Maine (free) or in person at the Falmouth Police Department, 2 Marshall Drive, after 9 am.
- Site a fire pit at least 30 feet from structures, with 15 feet of clearance from branches and brush, and keep water nearby.
- Questions about fire pits or permits: Falmouth Fire-EMS, 8 Bucknam Road, 207-781-2610.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Falmouth, Maine?
- Yes. Falmouth handles outdoor burning through burn permits, which you can get in person at the Falmouth Police Department, 2 Marshall Drive, after 9 am, or free online from the State of Maine. Permits aren't issued when conditions are unfavorable for outdoor burning.
- What are the burn permit rules in Falmouth, Maine?
- The permit holder must be present at all times and follow the guidelines printed on the permit, and permits aren't issued when conditions aren't favorable. If your smoke is a nuisance to neighbors, you may be asked to put the fire out.
- How far does a fire pit have to be from my house in Falmouth, Maine?
- Falmouth Fire-EMS recommends at least 30 feet from any combustible structure, no overhanging branches closer than 15 feet, and 15 feet clear of underbrush and un-mowed grass in every direction. These are recommendations, not ordinance rules.
- What can't I burn in Falmouth, Maine?
- Falmouth Fire-EMS lists materials that produce dangerous or toxic smoke, including treated wood, plastics, Styrofoam, tires, asphalt shingles, trash and food waste, and says never to burn wood on air quality alert days. Statewide rules on what may never be burned also apply.
- Does Falmouth, Maine have an open burning ordinance?
- Not in the sources reviewed. Falmouth handles burning through burn permits, and statewide rules govern what needs a permit. Questions about fire pits or permits go to Falmouth Fire-EMS, 8 Bucknam Road, 207-781-2610.
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
- Burn Permits (Fire-EMS web page), Falmouth Fire-EMS - Burn Permits page, p. 1
You can apply in person at the Falmouth Police Department, located at 2 Marshall Drive after 9 am Apply online through the State of Maine for free
- Burn Permits (Fire-EMS web page), Falmouth Fire-EMS - Burn Permits page, p. 1
Burn permits are not given when conditions are not favorable for outside burning and any permit holder must be present at all times and follow the guidelines printed on the permit.
- Residential Fire Pits brochure, Guidelines/Location, Residential Fire Pits in the Town of Falmouth (Falmouth Fire-EMS brochure), p. 2
Do not locate a fire pit within 30 feet of a combustible structure.
- Residential Fire Pits brochure, Guidelines/Location, Residential Fire Pits in the Town of Falmouth (Falmouth Fire-EMS brochure), p. 2
Ensure there are no overhanging branches closer than 15 feet from the fire pit.
- Residential Fire Pits brochure, Guidelines/Location, Residential Fire Pits in the Town of Falmouth (Falmouth Fire-EMS brochure), p. 2
Keep the area surrounding the fire pit clear of underbrush and un-mowed grass for 15 feet in every direction.
- Residential Fire Pits brochure, Residential Fire Pits in the Town of Falmouth (Falmouth Fire-EMS brochure), p. 2
Is smoke from your fire going to blow at a neighbor's house? If your fire is a nuisance to neighbors, you may be asked to extinguish it.
- Residential Fire Pits brochure, For Your Health & Safety, Residential Fire Pits in the Town of Falmouth (Falmouth Fire-EMS brochure), p. 1
Never burn wood during air quality alert days when air pollution is already higher.