Maine Wildfire Zones Law: Statewide Fire Regulations Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Agency: Maine Forest Service
Statute: 12 M.R.S. Ch. 807
Red Flag Effect: All permits suspended
Cost Recovery: Negligent ignitor pays

Full Breakdown

Title 12 M.R.S. Chapter 807 establishes the Maine Forest Service Forest Protection Division with statewide responsibility for wildfire prevention and suppression. Forest rangers issue or suspend burn permits based on daily Class Day fire-danger ratings (Low through Extreme). When fire danger reaches Class 4 or 5 or a red-flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service, all open burn permits are suspended statewide. The agency also enforces buffer and clearance rules in unorganized territories under Land Use Planning Commission jurisdiction. Civil cost recovery applies to wildfires caused by negligent burning.

Violations & Penalties

Negligently or recklessly causing a wildfire results in liability for full suppression costs plus damages, criminal penalties, and possible imprisonment under Title 12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I check Maine fire danger?

The Maine Forest Service publishes daily Class Day fire-danger ratings by region at maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_protection. Class 4 (Very High) and Class 5 (Extreme) typically trigger statewide burn-permit suspensions.

Are there designated wildfire zones in Maine?

Maine treats wildfire risk statewide rather than by mapped zones, but unorganized territories overseen by the Land Use Planning Commission have additional buffer and forestry restrictions under Title 12.

Maine Forest Service Wildfire Protection and Fire Danger Bans