Burn permits and fire pits in Rockport, Maine
Yes, with a permit. Rockport requires a burn permit to burn wood or leaves from your property, and the Fire Department issues permits only online through the free Maine Open Burn Permit service. Campfires for cooking or heat don't need a permit, but backyard fire pits may be used only on Class 1 and 2 fire-danger days.
| Brush/leaf burning | Burn permit required [2] |
| How to get a permit | Online only, via Maine Open Burn Permit (free) [1] |
| Cooking/heat campfires | No permit needed [2] |
| Fire pits | Allowed on Class 1-2 days; not on Class 3, 4 or 5 days [3] |
| Grass, field or blueberry burns | Permit directly from the Fire Chief; blueberry burns need 2-3 days' notice [4] |
Getting a burn permit
Rockport doesn't have its own open-burning ordinance; the Fire Department handles permits. Rockport Fire is only issuing burn permits online at Maine Open Burn Permit, a free online service; you must read and accept all the terms and conditions before the permit is issued [1]. The Fire Department page notes that the town no longer uses the State website for burn permits.
Brush and leaves
When burning to clean up or dispose of wood or leaves from your property, you are required to obtain a burn permit [2].
Campfires and fire pits
Only campfires for cooking or heat are allowed without a permit, but you still must check whether burning is allowed in the state that day. Fire pits are OK on Class 1 and 2 fire-danger days and may not be used on Class 3, 4 or 5 days [3]. State law may override the no-permit campfire rule: Maine requires a permit for a recreational campfire when the ground isn't covered by snow, though residential grills and outdoor fireplaces up to 3 feet by 3 feet used for cooking are exempt. For a backyard fire pit, getting a permit is the safe course.
Larger burns
All grass, field or blueberry burns require a permit issued directly by the Fire Chief, and blueberry burns require 2 to 3 days' advance notice [4].
What you can burn
The town page doesn't list prohibited materials. Under state rules, only clean wood waste and brush may be burned; trash, plastics, treated wood and similar materials are banned everywhere (see the state rules on this page). No burning is allowed under a red flag warning.
Who to contact
Fire Chief Jason Peasley can be reached at the Fire Department (207-236-4437) for grass, field and blueberry burns or questions about conditions.
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Next steps
- Check the daily fire danger class before any fire; fire pits are only OK on Class 1-2 days.
- For brush or leaf piles, get a free permit online through the Maine Open Burn Permit service and read its terms before accepting.
- For grass, field or blueberry burns, contact the Rockport Fire Chief (207-236-4437) for a permit, giving 2-3 days' notice for blueberry burns.
- Burn only clean wood and brush, and keep the fire attended until it is out.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Rockport, Maine?
- Yes, to burn wood or leaves from your property. Rockport Fire issues permits only online through the free Maine Open Burn Permit service. The town no longer uses the State website for burn permits.
- Do I need a permit for a fire pit in Rockport, Maine?
- Only campfires for cooking or heat are allowed without a permit, and fire pits may be used only on Class 1 and 2 fire-danger days. State law may require a permit for a recreational campfire, so getting a permit is the safe course.
- Can I burn a field or blueberry land in Rockport, Maine?
- Grass, field and blueberry burns require a permit issued directly by the Fire Chief. Blueberry burns require 2 to 3 days' advance notice.
- What can I burn in Rockport, Maine?
- The town page doesn't list prohibited materials. Under state rules only clean wood waste and brush may be burned, and trash, plastics and treated wood are banned.
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
- Fire Department page, Burn Permits, Fire Department page - Burn Permits
Rockport Fire is only issuing Burn Permits on-line at Maine Open Burn Permit This is a new, free online service that you are required to complete for a permit. You must read all the terms and conditions prior to accepting the permit.
- Fire Department page, Burn Permits, Fire Department page - Burn Permits
When burning to clean and/or dispose of wood and/or leaves from your property, you are required to obtain a burn permit. Only campfires for cooking, heat or ominous are allowed without a permit. However, you still must check to see if burning is allowed in the state.
- Fire Department page, Burn Permits, Fire Department page - Burn Permits
Class 1,2 days are ok for fire pits, Class 3, 4, and 5 you cannot use a fire pit.
- Fire Department page, Burn Permits, Fire Department page - Burn Permits
ALL Grass/Field or Blueberry burns require permits to be issued directly from the Fire Chief. Blueberry burns require advance notice of 2-3 days.