The Maine Forest Service has announced that the public can now obtain open burning permits online at www.maineburn

permit.com.

Residents in southern Maine can purchase a permit online for $7 or continue to meet with their local town forest fire warden and obtain a written permit at no charge. People in other areas of the state can either pay the $7 online fee for the permit or receive one from the Maine Forest Service at no cost.

Revenue gained from the online program will allow the Forest Protection Division to keep Forest Rangers and other personnel at current levels and help maintain the fleet of helicopters.

Everyone who obtains their burning permits online must burn between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m., unless it is raining. Permits allow burning only during Class 1 (low) and Class 2 (moderate) fire danger levels, when the winds and temperatures are generally lower.

For more information, visit www.maineforestservice.org.