Open Burning Season Starts Jan. 15 in Massachusetts

BURLINGTON, MA - Open burning season will start on Jan. 15 in Massachusetts’ communities where open burning is allowed.

Open burning in Massachusetts is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and enforced by local fire department. Open burning season runs from Jan 15 to May 1. A valid permit obtained from the local fire department is required. The fire chief reserves the right to deny open burning on any day due to weather or environmental conditions.

Burlington residents should contact local fire officials for more information.

On its site, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection lists 22 communities that do not allow open burning at all. They are: Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Medford, New Bedford, Newton, Somerville, Springfield, Waltham, Watertown, West Springfield and Worcester.

“Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in the spring, and fire wardens will determine on a daily basis when it is safe to conduct open burning,” according to DEPofficials. “If winds kick up or other atmospheric conditions change suddenly, making it unsafe to burn, permits can be rescinded (cancelled).”

Fires Must be Attended Until Completely Extinguished:

Do not leave your fire burning unattended. This is a reason to revoke your burning permit.

Find out more provisions and laws surrounding open burning, including materials that can (or cannot) be burned.

Information: Local and state fire officials