MAINE GOVERNMENT NEWS • June 23, 2020
Due to increased wildfire risk, fire occurrences, and staffing shortages, the Maine Forest Service is temporarily halting issuing online open burning permits required for the outdoor burning of brush and wood debris. These conditions will remain in effect until the state sees an adequate level of precipitation. Also, MFS Director Patty Cormier is urging Maine's fire chiefs and town forest fire wardens to use extreme caution or suspend the issuance of written open burning brush permits. Campfire permits, required for some remote campsites in unorganized towns, remain available. Recreational campfires on one's own property, unless prohibited by local ordinance, do not require an open burning permit and are not subject to this suspension. The suspension of online permits for brush burning will continue until further notice.