Burn permits and fire pits in Gorham, Maine
Gorham's land use ordinances that we reviewed don't regulate brush burning, backyard fires or fire pits, and we found no local burning ordinance. Burn permits in Gorham go through the Gorham Fire Department or the Maine Forest Service online permit system, under state rules.
| Local open-burning ordinance | None found in our sources [1] |
| Air pollution standard (zoning) | Must comply with minimum State requirements [1] |
What we found
None of the Gorham documents we reviewed have a section on open burning, brush piles, campfires or fire pits. We reviewed Chapters 1 and 2 of the Land Use and Development Code, the 2024 compiled code, and the Animal Control Ordinance. The only related rule is Chapter 2's general air pollution standard. It limits dust, dirt, fly ash and haze, and says all air pollution control must comply with minimum State requirements [1]. That standard is aimed at land uses generally, not backyard fires.
What applies instead
Burning in Gorham is governed by state law and the Gorham Fire Department. In Maine you generally need a permit from the town fire warden or the Maine Forest Service to burn brush, and for many recreational fires. Permits depend on daily fire danger. Burning trash, plastics and similar material is banned statewide. The state rules are summarized separately on this page.
See how Gorham compares with 8+ other Maine towns on burn permits & backyard fires →
Next steps
- Check the day's fire danger and get a burn permit online from the Maine Forest Service, or contact the Gorham Fire Department.
- Burn only clean, untreated wood and brush. Never burn trash, plastic or construction debris.
- Keep water and tools on hand, stay with the fire, and put it out completely.
- Call the Gorham Fire Department if you're unsure whether your fire pit or chiminea needs a permit.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Gorham, Maine?
- Gorham's land use ordinances don't regulate burning, so the rules are state rules. Permits go through the Gorham Fire Department or the Maine Forest Service online permit system. Maine generally requires a permit from the town fire warden or the Forest Service to burn brush.
- Does Gorham, Maine regulate fire pits?
- Gorham's land use ordinances that we reviewed don't address fire pits, backyard fires or brush burning, and we found no local burning ordinance. Call the Gorham Fire Department if you're unsure whether your fire pit needs a permit.
- Where do I get a burn permit in Gorham, Maine?
- Contact the Gorham Fire Department or get one online from the Maine Forest Service. Permits depend on the day's fire danger.
- What can't I burn in Gorham, Maine?
- Burning trash, plastics and similar material is banned statewide. Burn only clean, untreated wood and brush, never construction debris.
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
- Sec. 2-1.G(4) Air Pollution, Land Use and Development Code – Chapter 2: General Standards of Performance, p. 35
4) All air pollution control shall comply with minimum State requirements and detailed plans shall be submitted to the Code Enforcement Officer for approval, before a permit is granted.