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Fire chief flags Lebanon ordinance on burn permits that may conflict with state guidance
Summary
Lebanon’s fire chief told the select board that state guidance exempts small campfires under 3x3x3 feet from needing a burn permit, but the town ordinance appears to require permits for all residents; the chief recommended staff research the ordinance and possible repeal or update to align with state practice.
Lebanon’s fire chief told the Select Board that state guidance does not require a burn permit for small campfires (less than 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet) but that an existing town ordinance appears to require residents to obtain a local burn permit for any fire. The chief said the local rule is not easily discoverable on the town website, which has led to public confusion.
"A resident does not need a burn permit if it's less than 3 by 3 by 3," the chief said during his briefing, adding that Lebanon’s ordinance seems to require a permit regardless. He asked the board whether it wanted staff to research whether the municipal ordinance is still on the books and whether it should be repealed to align with state practice and clearer public guidance. Board members agreed staff should locate the ordinance text and report back.
The chief also explained operational practice: on a high‑risk day he can lock Lebanon out of the state permit system to prevent any online permits for the town while conditions are unsafe. For suspected illegal burns, the chief said firefighters typically respond, order the fire put out and may involve the state forest warden for repeat offenders who may be fined.
The board asked staff to check the ordinance text, improve public notice if the town retains the rule, and return with recommendations for repeal or revision to avoid conflicts with state guidance and to reduce public confusion.
