Fire Department

Always obtain a burn permit for open burning. Permitted fires will only be allowed on Low or Moderate Fire Danger days as determined by the Maine Forest Service. View the Maine Fire Danger Map for more details.

Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. Smoke alarms save lives. However, people who are deaf or hard of hearing may not be able to depend on the traditional smoke alarm to alert them to a fire. Read the Smoke Alarms for People with Disabilities (PDF) for information about devices that may help.

Furthermore, read information about Smoke Alarms at Home (PDF).

Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire.

Stay safe by reading more about Winter Holiday Fire Safety Tips.

Heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires.

View Heating Safety Recommendations from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Properly installed, correctly used wood-burning appliances should generate very little smoke. If you regularly see or smell smoke, you may have a problem.

Find out more about Best Wood-Burning Practices.

Homeowners can use hair dryers, heat tape or space heaters on the affected areas. Do not use any open flames, such as torches, to thaw the pipes!

Read more about Frozen Pipes and why it's a problem.