No, owning a flamethrower in Maine is prohibited under the state’s strict firearm and incendiary device statutes, with no exceptions for recreational or self-defense use. Local fire marshal offices enforce these rules, and recent 2026 legislative proposals aim to further restrict such devices.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Maine
- State Statute 17-A § 554: Classifies flamethrowers as “incendiary devices,” banning their possession without a special permit from the Maine State Police, which are rarely issued.
- Local Fire Marshal Enforcement: Municipal fire departments, under the Maine Emergency Management Agency’s oversight, conduct inspections and seize unpermitted devices during routine compliance checks.
- Federal Overlap: While federal law does not explicitly ban flamethrowers, their use violates the Improper Transportation of a Flammable Device clause (49 CFR 173.308), complicating interstate transport.
Violations may result in felony charges, fines up to $2,000, and mandatory forfeiture of the device. The 2026 proposed amendments to Title 12 § 10104 could expand these restrictions to include all non-commercial flamethrowers, aligning Maine with stricter Northeast regulations. Consult the Maine State Fire Marshal’s office for updated guidance.