Burn permits and fire pits in York, Maine
York has no local open-burning ordinance for backyards, so state rules apply. You need a burn permit for brush burning and for recreational campfires on bare ground. The York Beach Fire Department issues permits at its station after 9 AM and issues none on Class 3 or higher fire-danger days. Grills and outdoor fireplaces used for cooking don't need a permit. Fires on York's beaches are banned unless the Selectboard approves a special event permit.
| Permit required | Yes, for outside burning (state law) [1] |
| Where to get one (York Beach FD) | At the fire station after 9 AM, if conditions allow [2] |
| High fire danger | No permits on Class 3 or higher days [2] |
| Brush, leaves and deadwood | Allowed with a permit unless the town prohibits it [4] |
| Banned materials | Tires, rubber, plastics, Styrofoam, metals, chemicals, asphalt shingles, paints and more [3] |
| Recreational campfires | Written permit required [7] |
| No permit needed | Residential outdoor grills and fireplaces for cooking [5] |
| No permit needed (winter) | Campfires on snow-covered ground or frozen water [8] |
| Beach fires | Not allowed without a Selectboard special event permit [6] |
Permits
The York Beach Fire Department says burn permits are required by Maine law for outside burning, and burning without one is a Class E crime [1]. Its page says to get a permit by stopping by the fire station after 9 AM. A permit is issued if conditions allow, and none are issued on days when the fire danger is Class 3 or higher [2]. York has several fire departments, so get your permit from the one that covers your property, or online through the Maine Forest Service.
Brush and yard waste
The department's guidance lists residential burning of leaves, brush, deadwood and tree cuttings as allowed with a written permit unless the municipality expressly prohibits it [4]. None of York's ordinances that we reviewed prohibit it. Fires must be attended at all times. For brush, that means at least 2 adults, a garden hose, buckets of water and hand tools such as a shovel and rake.
Fire pits and campfires
Recreational campfires need a written permit [7]. Residential outdoor grills and fireplaces used for recreational purposes such as cooking [5], and campfires on snow-covered ground or frozen water [8], don't. State law limits the no-permit category to 3 ft by 3 ft; the department's page doesn't mention that limit.
What you can't burn
You can't burn tires, rubber, plastics, Styrofoam, metals, chemicals, asphalt shingles, wire insulation, tar, paints, solvents or sludge [3]. In towns with curbside trash pickup, you also can't burn household rubbish, paper or cardboard.
Beaches
Under York's Beach Ordinance, fires aren't allowed on York beaches without a special event permit approved by the Selectboard [6]. Those permits have strict conditions, including 5-10 PM hours, charitable sponsors and insurance, plus a same-day open burning permit from the Fire Chief.
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Next steps
- Check the Maine Forest Service fire danger report; the York Beach Fire Department issues no permits on Class 3 or higher days.
- Get a free permit online from the Maine Forest Service, or in person from your York fire department (York Beach FD: 18 Railroad Ave., after 9 AM).
- Burn only clean brush and wood, keep the fire attended with water and tools on hand, and put it out if conditions change.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in York, Maine?
- Yes. York has no local backyard burning ordinance, so state rules apply. You need a permit for brush burning and for recreational campfires on bare ground. Grills and outdoor fireplaces used for cooking don't need one.
- Where do I get a burn permit in York, Maine?
- From the York fire department that covers your property, or online through the Maine Forest Service. The York Beach Fire Department issues permits at its station after 9 AM, if conditions allow.
- When are burn permits not issued in York, Maine?
- The York Beach Fire Department issues none on days when the fire danger is Class 3 or higher.
- Can I have a fire on the beach in York, Maine?
- No, not without a special event permit approved by the Selectboard. Those permits have strict conditions, including hours, charitable sponsors and insurance, plus a same-day open burning permit from the Fire Chief.
- What can't I burn in York, Maine?
- Tires, rubber, plastics, Styrofoam, metals, chemicals, asphalt shingles, wire insulation, tar, paints, solvents and sludge. In towns with curbside trash pickup you also can't burn household rubbish, paper or cardboard.
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
- Burn Permits (York Beach Fire Department), Burn Permits - York Beach Fire Department
Burn Permits are required by Maine State Law for outside burning.
- Burn Permits (York Beach Fire Department), Burn Permits - York Beach Fire Department
Please get a permit by stopping by the Fire Station after 9AM. At that time, if conditions warrant, a permit will be issued. On any days that the FIRE DANGER is a CLASS 3 or higher, there will be NO permits issued.
- Prohibitions, Burn Permits - York Beach Fire Department
NO Open burning of tires, rubber products, plastics, styrofoam, metals, chemicals, asphalt shingles, wire insulation, tar, paints, solvents or sludge is allowed.
- Permissible Open Burning With Permit, Burn Permits - York Beach Fire Department
Residential burning of leaves, brush, deadwood and tree cuttings from a homeowners’ property unless expressly prohibited by the municipality.
- Permissible Open Burning Without Permit, Burn Permits - York Beach Fire Department
Residential and licensed commercial campgrounds use of outdoor grills and fireplaces for recreational purposes such as preparing food.
- Section 1. Fires & Grills, Beach Ordinance (Amended November 4, 2025), p. 2
Fires are not permitted on York Beaches without a special event permit approved by the Selectboard.
- Permissible Open Burning With Permit, Burn Permits - York Beach Fire Department
Recreational campfires and fires in conjunction with holiday and festive celebrations.
- Permissible Open Burning Without Permit, Burn Permits - York Beach Fire Department
Recreational campfires kindled when the ground is covered with snow, or on frozen bodies of water.