You are now able to obtain burn permits online, free of charge!
Please look under “How to obtain…” for more information!
By State and local laws, a permit is required before burning certain items. Please be aware that not all items may be burned!
The City of Brewer Ordinance, Chapter 9-Article 4 – Section 401-402.9, lists the types of burning that are prohibited and permissible within the City of Brewer. For a hard copy of this ordinance, please contact the Brewer City Clerk at (207) 989-7050.
Burns are only permissible before 9:00am or after 5:00pm unless there is a steady rain or the ground is completely covered in snow.
Burn permits are valid on Class 1 (low fire danger) or Class 2 (moderate fire danger) days. Click the image below to determine the fire danger for each zone.
How to Obtain a Burn Permit
Burn permits are now accessible online, free of charge! Click the image below to request a burn permit. You will need your address and type of material being burned, along with a printer to print your permit. Not having a printed and authorized permit at the burn violates Title 12 §9321.
You may also obtain a burn permit at the City of Brewer Fire Department for $5.00 per permit. Please call in advance, (207) 989-7002, to determine if weather conditions are allowing permits to be issued, and to make sure someone is available at the station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Maine’s open burn permits limited to 24 hours?
The daily fire danger rating could change after 24 hours, and online burn permits become invalid if the fire danger rating becomes high, very high, or extreme. Fewer days of burning will also lower the number of escaped debris burns. Escaped debris burns are the state’s top cause of wildfires.
Why can I only burn after 5pm and before 9am unless it’s raining?
Over 90% of all wildfires in Maine occur between 9am and 5pm when the temperatures are warmest, the wind picks up, and the relative humidity drops. Since the “wait to burn until after 5pm” policy was enacted, there has been a significant decrease in escaped debris burns. It is unlawful to allow your brush pile to burn between 9am and 5pm unless there is steady rain or the ground is completely covered in snow.
Can I request an online burn permit on a Wednesday for the upcoming weekend?
No, you have 24 hours to complete your burn after request. This requirement is because the weather could change, and the predicted class day could increase high fire danger.
Can this system be used to request campfire permits for authorized permit sites?
No, this system is only for burning brush, wood debris, and grass/agriculture fields. Contact the nearest Maine Forest Service Regional Office for information on obtaining campfire permits.