Burn permits and fire pits in South Portland, Maine
Brush burning is not allowed: South Portland bans burning slash, leaves, stumps and yard brush anywhere in the city. A backyard fire pit or outdoor fireplace is allowed with an annual Fire Department permit, and a campfire needs a daily burning permit; both must use clean, seasoned firewood and keep required distances from buildings and property lines.
| Brush, leaves, stumps, yard waste | Burning prohibited citywide [5] |
| Fire pit / outdoor fireplace / recreational fire appliance | Annual Fire Department permit [7] |
| Fire pit setback (if no manufacturer setback) | 15 feet from structures, combustibles and property lines [8] |
| Campfire | Daily burning permit; 25 ft from structures and property lines [6] |
| Supervision | Attended at all times by someone 18 or older, with a connected garden hose [3] |
| Beach fires | Prohibited, public or private beaches [2] |
| Grills used only for cooking | Exempt from these rules [9] |
Permits
South Portland's Fire Protection and Prevention chapter prohibits any open burning without a permit from the Fire Department [1]. Permits are issued case by case based on the day's weather, the state-issued fire class day, the materials and the location [10].
Fire pits and campfires
Backyard fire pits and outdoor fireplaces: an annual Fire Department permit is required to burn in a fixed outdoor fireplace or a recreational fire appliance [7]. Follow the manufacturer's setbacks; if none are given, keep it at least 15 feet from structures, combustible material and property lines [8]. Fireplaces that throw embers need an ember screen unless you're cooking.
Campfires (an open fire on the ground) need a valid daily burning permit and must be 25 feet from structures, combustible material and property lines [6]. Bonfires need a written request 10 days ahead and a 50-foot clearance.
Conditions for any fire
An adult (18 or older) must attend the fire at all times, with a garden hose connected to the water supply, and put it out completely so the coals are cold [3]. You are liable for damage if it spreads. Burn only clean, seasoned firewood, natural gas or similar clean fuel [4]; no gasoline or other accelerants. Fires on combustible decks or patios are limited to UL-approved grills/heaters kept 36 inches away, and nothing may be lit on a balcony or under an overhang. Burning on any beach is prohibited [2]. The Fire Department can ban all open burning during dangerous conditions.
What you can't burn
Burning slash, lot-clearing debris, stumps, leaves or yard brush is prohibited in the city [5], as is burning household trash, construction materials or wire insulation. Haul yard waste away or compost it instead.
Exemptions
Charcoal grills, gas grills, hibachis and similar devices used only to cook food on your own property are exempt [9].
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Next steps
- For a fire pit, chimenea or outdoor fireplace, apply to the South Portland Fire Department for the annual permit.
- Place it per the manufacturer's setbacks, or at least 15 ft from buildings, combustibles and property lines.
- For a ground campfire, get a daily burning permit from the Fire Department and keep it 25 ft from structures and lot lines.
- Dispose of brush and leaves by hauling or composting; burning them isn't allowed in South Portland.
Common questions
- Can I burn brush in South Portland, Maine?
- No. South Portland bans burning slash, leaves, stumps and yard brush anywhere in the city. Haul yard waste away or compost it instead.
- Do I need a permit for a fire pit in South Portland, Maine?
- Yes. A backyard fire pit, outdoor fireplace or recreational fire appliance needs an annual Fire Department permit. Follow the manufacturer's setbacks; if none are given, keep it at least 15 feet from structures, combustible material and property lines.
- Do I need a permit for a campfire in South Portland, Maine?
- Yes. A campfire on the ground needs a valid daily burning permit and must be 25 feet from structures, combustible material and property lines.
- Can I have a beach fire in South Portland, Maine?
- No. Burning on any beach, public or private, is prohibited.
- What are the rules for any fire in South Portland, Maine?
- An adult 18 or older must attend the fire at all times, with a garden hose connected to the water supply. Burn only clean, seasoned firewood or similar clean fuel. Grills used only for cooking are exempt.
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. 8-4.22.2(c), Fire Protection and Prevention (Chapter 8), p. 32
Open burning within the City is prohibited without a permit obtained from the Fire Department.
- Sec. 8-4.22.2(d), Fire Protection and Prevention (Chapter 8), p. 32
Burning on any beach, public or private, is prohibited.
- Sec. 8-4.22.2(e), Fire Protection and Prevention (Chapter 8), p. 32
Any open burning shall be attended at all times by a competent person eighteen (18) years of age or older, capable of recognizing the dangerous condition and extinguishment of the fire. Adequate tools and equipment, including a garden hose connected to the water supply, shall be present to extinguish the fire upon request, if fire becomes unmanageable, or at completion of the burn.
- Sec. 8-4.22.2(f), Fire Protection and Prevention (Chapter 8), p. 32
A fire must be fueled by clean, seasoned firewood, natural gas or other clean burning fuel, with emissions equal to or less than that created be seasoned firewood.
- Sec. 8-4.22.2(j), Fire Protection and Prevention (Chapter 8), p. 32
There shall be no burning of slash, lot clearing materials, stumps, leaves, yard brush, etc. within the City.
- Sec. 8-4-22.4. Campfires, Fire Protection and Prevention (Chapter 8), p. 33
Campfires are permitted within the City with a valid daily burning permit, issued by the Fire Department. All such campfires shall comply with all State laws, this Chapter, and all rules and regulations maintained and published by the South Portland Fire Department. Campfires shall be 25 feet from all structures, combustible material, and adjacent property lines.
- Sec. 8-4-22.5(b). Outdoor fireplaces, Fire Protection and Prevention (Chapter 8), p. 33
An annual permit issued by the Fire Department, shall be required to burn in a recreational fire appliance that is operated in accordance with all State laws, this Chapter, and all rules and regulations maintained and published by the South Portland Fire Department and the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Sec. 8-4-22.5(c). Outdoor fireplaces, Fire Protection and Prevention (Chapter 8), p. 33
If established setbacks are not provided, such fireplaces and appliances must be at least fifteen (15) feet from all structures, combustible material, and adjacent property lines or as modified by (a) of this section above.
- Sec. 8-4.22.7(a). Exceptions, Fire Protection and Prevention (Chapter 8), p. 34
The burning and/or use of: candles, lanterns, lamps, insect repellant torches, Tiki type torches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, charcoal cookers, braziers, hibachis, barbecue grills or any flammable liquid or liquefied gas fire stoves or similar devices maintained which is used solely for the preparation of food, and, which are on the premises of the owner or occupant and used as per manufacture’s recommendations are not applicable to this Article.
- Sec. 8-4.22.1(a), Fire Protection and Prevention (Chapter 8), p. 31
Permits to burn outside shall be obtained from the Fire Department and issued on a case by case basis.