It is strictly regulated.
Open burning in Maine is permitted only under stringent conditions enforced by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and local fire authorities. While certain agricultural or land-clearing burns may qualify for exemptions, residential yard waste burning is largely prohibited. Violations carry penalties up to $10,000 under 38 M.R.S. § 1302, with enforcement tightening in 2026 to align with federal air quality standards.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in Maine
- Permit Requirements: A written permit from the DEP or local fire warden is mandatory for all burns, except for small, contained fires under 4 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Permits are denied in high-risk fire seasons (typically May–October) or during air quality advisories.
- Prohibited Materials: Burning household trash, construction debris, tires, or chemically treated wood is illegal under 06-096 CMR Ch. 119. Only clean, untreated wood or vegetative matter may be burned, and only if no municipal waste collection exists within 20 miles.
- Location Restrictions: Burns must occur at least 500 feet from occupied buildings, public roads, or forest edges. The DEP’s 2026 update mandates GPS-based reporting for all permitted burns to track compliance and reduce illegal emissions.