Outdoor Burning & Burn Permits

Maine Fire Danger Map
Rules and Guidelines for Open Burning

 

Burn Permits

Open burning is allowed in the Town of Dixfield only with a permit issued by the fire warden or a deputy fire warden. You must obtain the permit on the same day you plan to burn, as weather conditions are an important safety consideration. You may contact the individuals listed below for a permit.  [You may also obtain a permit online at: http://www.maine.gov/burnpermit/.  Note that you must print your permit and have it in your possession during the burn if you use this option.]

 

In the interest of public safety, permits are issued only when the fire danger is determined to be "Low" or "Moderate" by the Maine Forest Service. The Forest Service posts current fire hazard conditions daily on their website.  (Dixfield is located in weather Zone 5)

 

Plan your burn when vegetation is damp and wind is calm. Burning when the ground is snow-covered, during a light drizzle, and/or just before precipitation is forecast is ideal. Typically November-March offer the safest conditions for open burning.  During the months of April to October burning may take place Monday – Friday after 5:00 p.m. (unless it is raining) or Saturday & Sunday all day.

 

Be Careful What You Burn!

 

Don’t throw just anything on your fire – materials such as PVC or pressure treated lumber release dangerous substances during combustion.  Burning these materials is not only hazardous to you and your neighbors, but is illegal as well.  According to Maine’s “Backyard Burning Law,” you may not burn household trash or construction debris which contains plastics (vinyl), rubber, Styrofoam, metal, food wastes and chemicals in open fires.  These regulations resulted from studies which showed that open burning was a significant source of dioxin and other toxic airborne pollutants.

 

When you receive a burn permit, you agree to follow a specific set of safe practices. Please review these carefully before burning:

  • burning must proceed with all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of fire and must not create any nuisance conditions
  • don't burn when wind speed exceeds 10 mph 
  • fires must be attended at all times by at least 1 adult with a garden hose or bucket of water present at all times; brush fires require 2 adults and hand tools such as shovels and rakes
  • you must have a written permit in your possession
  • you are responsible for the fire if it escapes and may be liable for suppression costs up to $10,000 as well as any damages caused to other property
  • don't burn during an inversion (stagnant air conditions)
  • small, hot fires assist in dispersion and produce less smoke
  • short frequent burn periods will help ensure that weather conditions won't change and cause a nuisance from air pollution

 

To Obtain a Fire Permit

 

Town Fire Warden                Donald St. Germain                                      562-9227

Deputy Warden                     Scott Dennett                                                 562-4245

Deputy Warden                     Dale Carlton                                                  562-4228

 

 

© Dixfield Fire Company 2003-2009

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