Burning and Campfire Permits
Burning
Permits
Burning permits are required for out door burning of brush piles or wood debris anytime throughout the year. Depending on the current fire danger, restrictions may be in place. Before considering burning, check the predicted fire danger by selecting the “fire danger” banner to the left (above the photo gallery listing) and check with local fire officials or the Maine Forest Service.
In organized towns, a permit can be obtained from the Town Forest Fire Warden, who is often also the Fire Chief.
In unorganized towns, a permit may be obtained from your local Forest Ranger or Forest Protection office. Hand written burning permits are free. Rubber, plastic and asphalt products cannot be burned.
In selected areas, burn permits can be obtained electronically for a modest fee. The Maine Legislature has allowed the Maine Forest Service’s Southern Region to function as the test area for the on line burn permit system. In addition, electronic permits can be issued in all unorganized territories. Please visit www.maineburnpermit.com to see if your town or unorganized territory is listed.
Contact the Forest Protection office nearest you for more information.
Return to Forest
Protection Programs and Services.
View STATE OF MAINE RULES AND GUIDELINES
FOR OPEN BURNING
 FIRE
PREVENTION TIPS for debris burning
Campfire Permits
Campfire permits are required for some
remote campsites in unorganized towns. Campfire permits are site specific and
valid for a short period of time. Registered Maine Guides can get a seasonal
permit as long as restrictions are followed.
In organized towns, landowner permission
must be obtained and the permit can be issued by the Town Forest Fire Warden.
Maine maps generally distinguish between
campsites that require a permit (permit site) and those that do not require a
permit (authorized site). If unsure, it is advised to ask a forest ranger or
fire control employee in advance. Campfire permits are not required when the
ground is covered with snow. Campfire permits are free.
REMEMBER: FIRE PERMITS ARE
REQUIRED IN MOST CASES.
CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL FIRE OFFICIALS OR ANY MAINE FOREST
SERVICE RANGER BEFORE BUILDING ANY OPEN FIRE.
Contact the Forest Protection office nearest you for more information.
Return to Forest
Protection Programs and Services.
 FIRE
PREVENTION TIPS for campfires
Cooperator
Assistance Program
The Cooperator Assistance Program is
designed to assist fire suppression cooperators in obtaining fire suppression
equipment at a reasonable cost. Fire suppression equipment is available at the
General Services Administration or state of Maine cost. Equipment requests are
routed through the local Maine Forest Service Forest Ranger. All requests are to
be accompanied by a check for the items ordered.
The program focus is on hand tools, water
handling equipment and personal protective gear for wild land fire suppression.
It gives smaller cooperators the advantage of bulk quantity pricing. Local
Forest Rangers have handbooks and information on how to take advantage of this
program. Contact the Maine Forest Service office nearest you for more
information.
Contact the Forest Protection office nearest you for more information.
Return to Forest
Protection Programs and Services.
Federal
Excess Property Program
The Maine Forest Service acquires Federal
Excess Property at little or no cost. Some of this property (such as a vehicle,
generator, pump or trailer) is loaned to municipalities for forest fire
suppression purposes. Use is restricted to forest fire control functions.
All requests for Federal Excess Property
are routed through the local Forest Ranger. Requests are evaluated and placed on
a priority list. As equipment becomes available, cooperators are notified as
names appear on the priority list.
Federal Excess Property is loaned for the
life of the equipment or until the need no longer exists. Federal Excess
Property that is no longer needed is reissued or turned back to the Federal
Government. For more information on this program, contact a local Forest Ranger
or the Federal Excess Property Specialist at (207) 827-1807.
Contact the Forest
Protection office nearest you for more information.
Return to Forest
Protection Programs and and Services.
Volunteer Fire Assistance
Program 
The Volunteer Fire Assistance Program,
formerly known as the Rural Community Fire Protection program was originally
authorized in Title IV of Public Law 92-419, "The Rural Development Act of
1972." This act authorized up to $7,000,000 to organize, train, and equip
local fire forces to prevent, control, and suppress fires in rural areas.
In Fiscal Year 1975 the first
appropriation of $3.5 million was provided for financial, technical, and other
assistance to the State Foresters to carry out this program. Title IV was later
repealed by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-313).
This Act has been amended by the
"Forest Stewardship Act of 1990" (Public Law 101-624), better known as
the "1990 Farm Bill," to provide for fire preparedness and
mobilization.
Annually, federal funds are appropriated
to assist towns with the purchase of forest fire equipment or to provide forest
fire training. Grants require that towns match the grant funds dollar for
dollar.
Contact the Forest Protection office nearest you for more information.
Return to Forest Protection Programs and Services.
Training and Recruitment
Forest Ranger II
This is investigative and protective services work in detection, prevention, presuppression,
and suppression of forest fires and in enforcement of
forestry, environmental, and conservation laws. Work includes preparing
and updating fires action plans, training firefighters, and supervising
firefighting operations; patrolling and inspecting an assigned area; observing,
reporting, and prosecuting violations; investigating suspicious fires and
suspected criminal activities; conducting public information and education
programs; and preparing records and reports.
To be a
successful Forest Ranger, an individual must possess considerable knowledge of
basic forest fire control, safety, and basic forestry practices. One must
also possess the ability to work independently over a large geographic area,
establish and maintain effective working relationships in routine and emergency
situations, work long hours, communicate effectively orally and in writing, use
good judgment, and make sound decisions, all under adverse and stressful
conditions.
View MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS and
TESTING AND EVALUATION PROCESS for Forest Ranger II
View Forest
Ranger II Salary Schedule
ViewMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS and
TESTING AND EVALUATION PROCESS for Forest Ranger Pilot
View "What Does
a Forest Ranger Do?" Powerpoint Presentation (5 MB, opens in separate window)
Contact the Forest Protection State
Office for more information
Maine Wildfire Arson Program
Maine Forest Service Rangers Investigating
a Fire Scene
If you have any information regarding arson-related
fires, please call 1-800-987-0257. Your call will
be kept in strict confidence. If your information leads to the
arrest or conviction of an arsonist, you will receive a cash reward up to
$2,000.00.
- Arsonists cause 1 out of every 5 wildfires in Maine,
costing taxpayers thousands of dollars each year.
- Fires have a devastating effect on timber, water,
air quality, and wildlife habitat.
- Wildfires caused by arsonists endanger human lives.
- Arsonists destroy homes and other high value
property.
- Wildfires kill young trees which represent the
timber for tomorrow.
Contact the Forest Protection office nearest you for more information.
Return to Forest Protection Programs and Services.
Causes of Wildfires
Ninety
(90%) of all wildfires in Maine are caused by people and are preventable. Only
lightning caused fires cannot be prevented. Escaped debris burning continues to
be the number one cause, with arson second.
Maine's wildfire season usually begins in March in
coastal and southern sections, gradually extending to central, western and
northern areas. The wildfire season usually ends in late November. The majority
of wildfires usually occur in April and May, when home owners are cleaning up
from the winter months, and when the majority of vegetation is void of any
appreciable moisture making them highly flammable. Once "green-up"
takes place in late May to early June, the fire danger usually is reduced
somewhat.
CAUSES
OF WILDFIRES as of July 15, 2005
Contact the Forest Protection office nearest you for more information.
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Protection Programs and and Services.
Timber
Trespass and Timber Theft
It is estimated that Maine Forest Service Rangers investigate over 1000 complaints annually involving timber trespass or deliberate theft of timber. Timber harvesting is a large part of Maine's economy. However, often times property lines are not well defined resulting in timber being cut without the landowner's permission. In some cases, a few loggers specifically target forest landowners, especially non-residents and the elderly. Individuals who make their living stealing timber give the entire industry a black eye. The vast majority of loggers are honest, reputable business men and women. Their ability to obtain timber harvesting contracts is hindered by this very small group of timber thieves.
As a forest landowner, here are a few steps you can take to prevent timber trespass/theft:
- Keep all property lines well marked and brushed out.
- Know who the adjacent property owners are.
- Have someone keep an eye on your property should you be unable to.
- Should you suspect someone is cutting wood on your property, call the nearest Forest Ranger.
- Never give oral permission for someone to harvest your timber.
- Always have a written contract for all timber harvesting.
- Keep all copies of scale slips and payment documents associated with each timber sale for at least one year after the timber harvest.
It is also helpful for landowners to know the laws that are designed to protect them from timber theft. Note: these laws are paraphrased, for exact wording please visit http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/search.asp
- Title 17 S2512 states that timber harvesters shall pay the landowner within 45 days of delivering the harvested forest products to the mill.
- Title 10, section 2364-A, states that the timber harvester shall provide the landowner a copy of the measurement tally sheet or stumpage sheet for each truckload of forest products (which have been transported to the mill) at the time of payment to the landowner.
- Title 17 S 2510 states that a person can not cut down a tree without the landowners’ permission. If they do, they have committed a civil violation and may have to pay values set by the Legislature as restitution to the landowner plus additional fines to the State.
- Title 17 S 2511 states that the landowner (or landowner representative) shall clearly mark any established property lines within 200’ of the area to be harvested. The marking must be completed prior to the start of the timber harvest and must be clearly visible. The marking of trees could be more permanent with blazes and paint or temporarily, with flagging or surveyors tape.
- Title 17 S 2511 also states that a line tree (a tree located near the boundary line that has been blazed or painted) can not be cut without first obtaining permission from the abutting landowner.
Contact the Forest Protection office nearest you for more information.
Return to Forest
Protection Programs and and Services.
Christmas
Tree and Wreath Tipping Laws
It is estimated that 2-3 million Christmas wreaths are
made each year in Maine, making it one of the largest seasonal industries in our
State. It takes on an average of 3-5 pounds of brush to make one wreath. Fir and
pine tips or brush are among the most in demand. The supply comes from both
small and large woodland ownerships. The harvesting of wreath brush or tips is
commonly referred to as "Tipping". Maine Forest Service Rangers
spend a great deal of time enforcing these and other related laws. The
"Tipping" season usually begins in early November and ends around the
second week of December.
It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to
cut or transport Christmas trees or evergreen boughs (Tips) on land of another
without securing written permission or bill of sale from the owner or his
authorized agents. In the case of cutting, only one such permit is needed per
work crew. When engaged in the cutting or transporting of Christmas trees
or evergreen boughs the following is required:
- Cutting. If engaged in cutting, a current
written permit or bill of sale from the owner when cutting growth of
another.
- Transportation. If engaged in transportation,
a current written permit, bill of sale, port of entry statement or other
written proof of ownership when transporting for commercial purposes trees,
loose or in bundles, or boughs, loose or baled. A driver shall carry this
permit on his person or in the vehicle.
Contact the Forest Protection office nearest you for more information.
Return to Forest
Protection Programs and and Services.
Northeastern
Forest Fire Protection
Commission
Maine's Forest Protection
Division is a member of the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission or
"Compact" which was formed shortly after the devastating forest fires
of 1947. Members include all the New England States, New York, the Provinces
of New Brunswick, Quebec and Nova Scotia, plus the New England Forest which
includes the White, Green and Finger Lakes Forests. This Compact was
assembled to bolster fire suppression capabilities, as well as meeting training needs. Equipment
and manpower are often called upon during the forest fire season,
greatly increasing each member's fire fighting arsenal. The full membership
meets each year during a week long winter training/meeting session. Former State
of Maine-Forest Commissioner Austin H. Wilkins was instrumental in forming the
Compact, fifty years ago.
For more information you may e-mail the Executive
Director-Thomas Parent at necompact@pivot.net
The Northeastern Forest Fire Compact Web
site is located at: http://www.nffpc.org/
Thank
you for taking interest in the Forest Protection Division
of the Maine
Forest Service
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