[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Frye Island 9-4-2021. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Frye Island is located in Sebago Lake and is accessed via a public car ferry from Raymond Neck, or by private boat. All residents of the Town are seasonal, with the Island shut down for the winter. Frye Island is comprised of over 1,000 heavily wooded acres, 22 miles of roads, and over 500 closely spaced wood-frame dwellings. Fire protection is dependent on a volunteer fire department with limited resources. As a result, actively managing the risk of fire on the Island is necessary to protect local citizens and property.
Maine state law (12 M.R.S.A. Chapter 807, Subchapter 4, Article 2, §§ 9321 to 9327) governs outdoor burning in the state and this chapter governs any and all outdoor fires within the geographic limits of the Town of Frye Island, whether on private or public property.
A. 
Any fires requiring a permit per Maine state law (12 M.R.S.A. § 9325) are prohibited on both private and public lands located within the geographic limits of the Town of Frye Island. These include, but are not limited to, burning of fuel, slash, leaves, brush, deadwood, construction debris and demolition materials.
B. 
Large fires commonly known as "bonfires" are prohibited on both private and public lands located within the geographic limits of the Town of Frye Island. A "bonfire" is defined here as an open-air fire that is kindled on the ground, larger than two feet in diameter, and with flames that extend more than two feet above the ground.
C. 
Campfires are prohibited on both public and private property on Frye Island. A "campfire" is defined here as an open-air fire that is kindled directly on the ground to provide for cooking or recreational activities.
A. 
A barbecue grill is a device that cooks food by applying heat from below. It is a self-contained unit made of noncombustible material. There are several varieties of grills, with most falling into one of three categories: gas-fueled, charcoal, or electric. The use of barbecue grills is exempt from this chapter, but may be subject to other state or local regulations.
B. 
Commercially manufactured fire pits fueled by propane are exempt from this chapter if installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and state regulations.
A. 
Fire pits. A fire pit is defined as an outdoor, permanent, or semi-permanent, structure or device composed of noncombustible material that laterally surrounds the fire and that has a grate or screen covering the fire and capable of arresting flying sparks and embers.
(1) 
The fire pit must be at least 20 feet from any structure and any combustible material, and at least 15 feet from the property line.
(2) 
The fire pit must stand on a layer of sand, dirt, crushed stone, or pavers or other noncombustible material (not native soil), at least three inches deep and extending beyond the exterior wall of the fire pit.
(3) 
The fire pit must have a grate or screen covering that is capable of arresting flying sparks and embers.
(4) 
A responsible adult must be in attendance at all times.
(5) 
Smoke must not impact neighboring properties.
(6) 
A functioning means of extinguishing the fire must be immediately available, such as a garden hose or a fire extinguisher.
B. 
Chimineas. A chiminea is defined as a freestanding earthenware or metal fireplace that, in its typical form, has a bulbous body which is open in the front and is topped by an elongated chimney.
(1) 
The chiminea must be at least 20 feet from any structure and any combustible material, and at least 15 feet from the property line.
(2) 
The area beneath the chiminea must be free of combustible material.
(3) 
A responsible adult must be in attendance at all times.
(4) 
Smoke must not impact neighboring properties.
(5) 
A functioning means of extinguishing the fire must be immediately available, such as a garden hose or a fire extinguisher.
C. 
Allowable outdoor burning may only occur on a Class 1 or Class 2 day. Classifications can be found online at maine.gov/dacf/mfs/wildfire_danger_report/index.html
D. 
It is the responsibility of the person building the fire to check the fire danger classification before lighting the fire.
A written notice of violation of this chapter may be issued by the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department or other authorized enforcement personnel. Persons found to have violated this chapter are subject to a fine of up to $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second violation, and $400 for the third violation.