FIRE DEPT.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q. Do I need a burning permit to burn debris on my property?
A. Yes. Maine law requires a permit, in hand, for open burning of debris.
Q. Do I need a burning permit when there is snow on the ground?
A. Yes. A burning permit is required year round for any open burning.
Q. Do I need a burning permit to have a campfire on my own property?
A. No. A permit is not required to have a campfire on property that you own as long as it does not create a nuisance to others. However, the perimeter of the fire must be lined in stone or brick, have a circular diameter no larger than 3’ or a rectangular shape no larger than 3’ x 3’, and the fuel shall be clean wood only; no debris or lawn rakings.
Q. Can I burn at anytime during the day?
A. No, for several reasons:
1. All open burning must end at midnight. Burning can resume at daybreak.
2. Depending on weather conditions, permits may not be being issued. Permits are not issued
when the fire danger class is 3 or above, or at the discretion of the Fire Warden.
3. During the months of April and May, each year, open burning is allowed only after 5:00 PM,
until midnight, under favorable weather conditions.
Q. How do I obtain a burning permit?
A. Burning permits can be obtained, free of charge, by contacting the Chief, his Deputy, or any of his Assistants on Monday through Friday. Permits may also be obtained at the Town Office on Monday, Thursday, or Friday. Contact information may be found on the Fire Department link of the Town website under “Burning Information – How to obtain a written burning permit.” Burning permits may also be obtained on-line @ http://www.maine.gov/burnpermit for a fee of $ 7.00. For weekend Burning Permits, check the town website to see who the officer is on duty for that particular weekend.
Q. Can I get a permit for more than one day?
Q. Can I burn in an incinerator / barrel?
A. Yes, but the fuel must be clean, wood wastes (i.e. painted or unpainted wood and demolition debris, brush, stumps, etc) entirely free from metal, plastics, coatings, and chemical treatments, or are not mixed with other solid or liquid waste. Burning of any other material, including household waste and recyclable material is strictly forbidden.
Q. Will the Fire Department clean my chimney for me?
A. No. The fire department does not provide chimney sweep services.
Q. Will the Fire Department perform a home fire safety inspection in my home?
A. The Fire Department does not perform official home fire safety, chimney, or woodstove inspections; however, we will assist you by offering suggestions as to how you can make your home safer. Call the Chief, his Deputy, or any of his Assistants if you would like to schedule a time someone to drop by your home.
Q. Will the Fire Department assist me with proper placement of smoke detectors in my home?
A. Yes. Contact the Fire Department if you have questions and would like assistance.
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