Burn permits and fire pits in Ogunquit, Maine
The Ogunquit ordinances we reviewed don't regulate brush burning, backyard fires or fire pits, and we found no local burning ordinance. Burning in Ogunquit falls under Maine's statewide burn permit system, through the Maine Forest Service online permit system or the local fire warden.
| Local open-burning ordinance | None found in our sources [1] |
| Smoke (zoning general standard) | No unreasonable smoke detectable beyond the property line [1] |
What we found
None of the Ogunquit documents we reviewed have a section on open burning, brush piles, campfires or fire pits. We reviewed the zoning ordinance (Chapter 225, December 2020 town PDF), Article II of the Animals chapter, and the Harbor and Watercraft chapter. The only related rule is the zoning ordinance's general air pollution standard. It says no unreasonable odor, dust or smoke may be detectable beyond the property line [1]. That standard applies to land uses generally and isn't written for backyard fires, but a smoky fire that bothers neighbors could run into it.
What applies instead
Burning in Ogunquit is governed by state law. In Maine you generally need a permit from the town forest fire warden or the Maine Forest Service to burn brush or yard debris, and for many recreational fires. Permits depend on the day's fire danger. Burning trash, plastics and similar material is banned statewide. The state rules are summarized separately on this page.
Other town rules
Ogunquit may have fire department rules or an adopted fire code that weren't among the documents we reviewed. Check with the Ogunquit Fire Department before you burn, especially near the beach or dunes.
See how Ogunquit 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 Ogunquit Fire Department or town fire warden.
- Burn only clean, untreated wood and brush. Never burn trash, plastic or construction debris.
- Keep the fire small, stay with it, and make sure smoke doesn't drift onto neighboring properties.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Ogunquit, Maine?
- Burning in Ogunquit falls under Maine's statewide burn permit system. You generally need a permit from the town forest fire warden or the Maine Forest Service to burn brush or yard debris. Check with the Ogunquit Fire Department before you burn.
- Does Ogunquit, Maine have a fire pit ordinance?
- No. The Ogunquit ordinances we reviewed don't regulate brush burning, backyard fires or fire pits. Maine's statewide rules apply, and a smoky fire that bothers neighbors could run into the zoning smoke standard.
- Can I burn trash in Ogunquit, Maine?
- No. Burning trash, plastics and similar material is banned statewide. Ogunquit has no local rule on the subject that we found.
- Where do I get a burn permit in Ogunquit, Maine?
- Through the Maine Forest Service online permit system or the local fire warden. Permits depend on the day's fire danger.
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
- §225-8.2, Air pollution, Ogunquit Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 225 (town PDF), p. 77
No unreasonable odor, dust or smoke shall be detectable beyond the property line.