Burn permits and fire pits in Kennebunkport, Maine
The Kennebunkport ordinances we reviewed don't specifically regulate brush burning or backyard fire pits. The town's Fires and Fire Prevention chapter adopts the Life Safety Code and a key lock box rule. Maine's statewide burn permit rules (shown on this page) still apply.
What the town code covers
Kennebunkport's Chapter 46, Fires and Fire Prevention, adopts the NFPA Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) by reference [1]. It also has a key lock box requirement for certain buildings. Neither article addresses open burning, brush piles, recreational campfires or fire pits. The Fire Chief is the official mainly responsible for enforcing the chapter [2].
What that means for homeowners
Because we found no local open-burning ordinance, the statewide rules apply. You need a permit for brush burning and for most campfires, and certain materials are banned everywhere. These are summarized separately on this page. The Kennebunkport Fire Department is the local contact for permits and current fire danger.
See how Kennebunkport compares with 8+ other Maine towns on burn permits & backyard fires →
Next steps
- Before burning brush or having a campfire on bare ground, get a burn permit online from the Maine Forest Service or from the local fire warden.
- Ask the Kennebunkport Fire Department whether any local conditions or restrictions apply on the day you plan to burn.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Kennebunkport, Maine?
- Kennebunkport's ordinances don't specifically regulate brush burning, so Maine's statewide burn permit rules apply. You need a permit for brush burning and for most campfires, and certain materials are banned everywhere. The Kennebunkport Fire Department is the local contact.
- Does Kennebunkport, Maine have a fire pit ordinance?
- No. The town's Fires and Fire Prevention chapter adopts the Life Safety Code and a key lock box rule, but doesn't address open burning, brush piles, campfires or fire pits. State rules still apply.
- Who do I call about burning in Kennebunkport, Maine?
- The Kennebunkport Fire Department is the local contact for permits and current fire danger. The Fire Chief is the official mainly responsible for enforcing the town's fire chapter.
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
- Ch. 46, Art. I (Life Safety Code), adoption, Fires and Fire Prevention (Chapter 46), p. 1
There is hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference, as if completely and specifically set forth in its entirety, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion, the edition accepted by the State Fire Marshal of the following codes prepared by the National Fire Protection Association, as adopted by the State of Maine: Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) and the whole thereof save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended.
- Ch. 46, Art. I, enforcement, Fires and Fire Prevention (Chapter 46), p. 1
The Kennebunkport Fire Chief shall be the Town official principally responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of this article, provided that this article may also be enforced by the Code Enforcement Officer or any member of a fire department designated by the Fire Chief.