Sen. Dill introduces legislation to make Maine’s online burn permit system free to use

Posted: February 26, 2021 | Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Senator Dill

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, Sen. Jim Dill, D-Old Town, introduced legislation to make Maine’s online burn permit system free to use. LD 268, “An Act To Eliminate Online Burn Permit Fees for All Areas of the State,” was the subject of a public hearing in front of the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

“Burn permits help us prevent wildfires, encourage safe burn practices, and alert local officials as to where a burn is happening,” said Sen. Dill. “In this modern day and age, especially now when everyone is trying to limit their social interactions, removing any barriers to using the online system is key. That’s why eliminating the fee to use the online system is an important step to take.”

While anyone can still get a handwritten burn permit from their local fire department or forest rangers for free, it costs $7 to use the online system to obtain one. LD 268 would eliminate that fee.

The bill faces further action in committee. 

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