North Andover Open Burning Season Begins Saturday

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — Open burning season begins Saturday and runs through April, the North Andover Fire Department said Monday.

Those with 2021 permits do not need to register again, but anyone else can obtain a permit online from the department.

Each morning during open burning season, the fire department determines whether to allow burning that day, based on state recommendations and conditions like wind and precipitation.

The department will aim to make a decision by 9:30 a.m. each day, but there could be delays due to emergencies.

"Open burning can only be conducted with a permit issued by the fire department and is only permitted for brush, cane, driftwood, forestry debris, agricultural debris, and, under limited conditions, fungus-infected elm wood," the department said. "Burning grass, hay, leaves, stumps, and commercial or industrial land clearing for non-agricultural purposes is prohibited."

Anyone who violates the regulations could lose their permit and face criminal charges and consequences including $500 fines, paying the cost of suppression and one month in prison.

"For more information about burn permits, visit the Burn Permits & Regulations page on the North Andover Fire Departments website by clicking here," the town said. "Anyone with questions regarding opening burning should call the North Andover Fire Department at 978-688-9595."