Fires on islands have a high risk of spreading due to changeable winds, interconnected root systems, organic soils, and the lack of services. MITA recommends no open fires at any time.

Kindle No Fires!

Use a lightweight camp stove for cooking and a candle or lantern for light. Most private islands prohibit the use of fires. On public islands, if you do plan to have a fire you must first obtain a permit from the Maine Forest Service (1-800-750-9777) and refer to the guidelines below.

Safe Campfires

Be sure to use established, authorized fire rings if they are present. If no fire rings exist on the island, build your fire below the high tide line in a fire pan or on sand or gravel. Do not create new fire rings. Fires on granite leave permanent scars. Keep fires small, using only wood you brought or driftwood gathered from below the high tide line. Use only small pieces of wood that will burn completely given the size and duration of your campfire. Refrain from cutting tree limbs, stripping paper bark, or collecting downed wood from the island’s interior. Do not burn trash or garbage. Burn all wood to a fine ash and thoroughly extinguish with sea water before going to bed or leaving the island. Scatter ashes into the sea and disguise the fire site as best you can. Never leave a fire unattended and always keep a bucket of water nearby. In an emergency use VHF channel 16 or call 1-888-900-FIRE.

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