Town of Fairfield Fire Permits
Do I need a Fire Permit?
There has been some confusion regarding when you need a fire permit for having an outdoor fire. There have been some changes in the local Fire Prevention Ordinance that effect both Towns of Fairfield and Benton that defines the need for obtaining a permit.
The major change that determines whether a permit is needed is the size and content of what will be burned and whether the intent is for recreational use or debris disposal.
Recreational use means either cooking or sitting and enjoying the fire such as at a family gathering. In this situation, the content of what is being burned should be clean, cut, and split wood or unpainted / unstained, non-treated wood scraps, no leaves, yard clippings or debris. In this case the Fireplace or Fire pit must be 28" or less in diameter. There is no need for a fire permit for a recreational fire.
If the diameter of the fire area is greater than 28" or you are burning anything other than clean wood such as yard or garden debris or construction debris you will need to have a fire permit.
How to obtain a Fire Permit (unless restricted by conditions)
- Fire Permits can be obtained from the Fire Department after 9 am. Call the station at 453-2429 to see if permits will be issued for that day.
- Fire Permits are also issued online from the Maine Forest Service web site. Click Here to obtain a burning permit online.
There is NO fee for fire permits, we encourage you to obtain your fire permit online.
The Fire Department
receives a text message whenever you apply for an online permit.
Depending
on weather conditions the department may shut the online systems off or
restrict the time(s) they are available.
Limitations
Regardless of whether a permit is required or issued you may be asked to discontinue burning if neighboring property owners or residents feel your fire is a nuisance. You may not burn paper, cardboard, plastic, rubber, styrofoam, metals, food wastes, chemicals, treated wood or other solid waste. You must comply with all laws and regulations of the Maine Forest Service, Department of Environmental Protection, local ordinances and conditions, or restrictions stated on the fire permit. You shall be liable for suppression cost due to negligence or not following safety requirements listed on the fire permit.
If you have any questions about outdoor burning please call the fire department at 453-2429.