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1. Do I need a burning permit to burn debris on my property?

Yes, Maine law requires a permit, in hand, for open burning of debris.

2. Do I need a burning permit when there is snow on the ground?

Yes. A burning permit is required for open debris burning, year round.

3. Do I need a burning permit to have a campfire on my own property?

No. A permit is not required to have a campfire on property that you own. However, the fire must be maintained to no larger than a campfire, and the fuel shall be clean wood only, no debris or lawn rakings.

4. Can I burn at any time during the day?

No, for several reasons.
1.All open burning must stop at midnight. Burning can resume at daybreak.
2.Depending on weather conditions, permits may not be being issued. Permits are not issued when the fire danger class is 3 or above, or when the wind is blowing over 7 mph at the fire station.
3.During the months of April and May, each year, open burning is allowed only after 5:00 PM, until midnight, under favorable weather conditions only. Permits may be issued during the day if there is a steady rain.

5. How do I obtain a burning permit?

Burning permits can be obtained on-line @ www.maineburnpermits.com; free of charge, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM. 

6. Can I get a permit for more than one day?

Yes. Burning permits can be issued for up to three consecutive days. However, you will need to call each day to check weather conditions and to receive approval to burn.

7. Can I burn in an incinerator / barrel?

No. Burning in backyard incinerators / barrels was banned in Maine several years ago.

8. Does the Fire Department conduct inspections of woodstoves and chimneys?

Yes. The fire department will inspect, for code compliance, chimneys, wood stoves, and other solid fuel appliance installations.

9. Will the Fire Department inspect my chimney for cleanliness?

Yes. The fire department can inspect chimneys and provide a determination of whether the chimney needs to be cleaned or not.

10. Will the Fire Department clean my chimney for me?

No. The fire department does not provide chimney sweep services.

11. Will the Fire Department perform a home fire safety inspection in my home?

Yes. Just contact the Fire Department to schedule a time.

12. Will the Fire Department rescue my cat from a tree?

No. Rescuing cats from trees can be dangerous to both the rescuer and the animal.

13. Will the Fire Department assist me with proper placement of smoke detectors in my home?

Yes. Contact the Fire Department to schedule an on-site visit for assistance.

14. Does the Fire Department refill, service, or repair fire extinguishers?

No. We are however, a pick up and drop off point for an area fire extinguisher sales and service company. Extinguishers may be dropped off between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Extinguishers are usually returned within 1 weeks’ time.

15. Will the Fire Department test for carbon monoxide?

Yes. The department has 3 air monitors that can check for carbon monoxide.

16. Does the Skowhegan Fire Department fill swimming pools?

No the Skowhegan Fire Department does not fill swimming pools.