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Can I burn yard debris?

Open Burning Season/ Burning Permits

In most of the state's towns and cities, homeowners are allowed to burn brush, cane, driftwood and forestry debris - not including grass, hay, leaves or stumps - between January 15 and May 1, so long as the open burning takes place:

  • With the permission of the local fire Department;
  • between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • when the air is circulating well but winds are light;
  • no less than 75 feet away from all dwellings; and
  • on your own property and as close as possible to the source of material(s) to be burned.
  • Be sure to get a permit from your local fire department before burning anything.

Permits are available at Central Fire Station for those who do not have one. PERMITS ARE REQUIRED!

  • On the day you wish to burn you must contact Central Fire Station at 781-925-8111 and verify that it is ok to burn that day. You will provide the call taker with your permit number and address.  

If you have any questions you can contact us at 781-925-8111.

ANSWERS TO YOUR OPEN BURNING QUESTIONS

What Should I Know About Open Burning In Massachusetts?

If You're like most Bay Staters, you will spend a lot of your time each spring preparing your lawn and garden for the warm months ahead. A big part of your job will be cleaning up tree limbs, brush and other remnants or winter storms, and figuring out what to do with all that debris.

Burning might be the first thing that comes to your mind. While it is still allowed in most Massachusetts towns and cities, open burning has its distinct disadvantages. The combustion process releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, other gases and solid substances directly into the air we breathe. And, disposal of materials is never as good for the environment as using them again in a different form. Natural debris can be chipped or composted into landscaping material.

Still, there are times when open burning is the best or only option. Even then, there are limits on what can be burned and when, as well as important public health and safety requirements.

Why are there limits on open burning in Massachusetts?

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulation (310 CMR DEP 7.07) and your local fire department limit open burning for public health and safety reasons. Open burning pollutes the air and can make it difficulty for people when respiratory problems to breathe. When the air is stagnant, open burning can pose smoke and odor nuisances, and health risks to nearby residents, particularly in densely populated areas. Open burning can also pose a safety risk when it is not adequately controlled. The limits on open burning do not apply to outdoor cooking.

What can be burned, when and under what conditions?

You may burn, with limits:

  • Brush
  • Cane
  • Driftwood
  • Forestry Debris
  • Tree Pruning
  • Dead Raspberry Stalks
  • Blueberry Patches
  • Infected Beehives

You may not burn:

  • Grass
  • Hay
  • Leaves
  • Stumps
  • Tires

What other types of outdoor fires are allowed?

With the fire department's approval and supervision, a community may schedule:

  • Christmas tree burning between December 26 and January 7 (although recycling trees by chipping then into landscaping material or "planting" them in dunes to control beach erosion is more beneficial to the environment);
  • One ceremonial bonfire each year to observe a municipal, state or national event; and a bonfire between July 2 and July 6 in observance Independence Day.
  • Outdoor cooking is allowed year-round in all communities and is not subject to open burning limits. With specific approval from DEP, local fire departments may also stage outdoor fires for purposes of fire prevention research and training.

What Types of Open Burning Are Not Allowed?

There are no circumstances under which it is legal to burn grass, hay, leaves, stumps or tires. They simply do not burn as "clearly" as those materials that may legally be burned. All of them produce acrid smoke that causes nuisance conditions and threatens people's health. When tires are burned, they produce noxious gases and petroleum residue, both of which can be harmful to people and the environment. In addition, the burning of brush, cane, driftwood and forestry debris from commercial or industrial land clearing is prohibited statewide.

Are There Any Communities In Which Open Burning Is Not Allowed At All?

Yes. Open burning is prohibited in 22 of the state's largest cities and town due to the density of population and close proximity of buildings within their borders:

  • Arlington
  • Belmont
  • Boston
  • Brookline
  • Cambridge
  • Chelsea
  • Chicopee
  • Everett
  • Fall River
  • Holyoke
  • Lawrence
  • Lowell
  • Malden
  • Medford
  • New Bedford
  • Newton
  • Somerville
  • Springfield
  • Waltham
  • Watertown
  • West Springfield
  • Worcester

Safety Tips for Open Burning Season

How to Safely Ignite and Tend the Fire

An adult should always be present durning open burning. Children and pets should be kept a safe distance away. Remove all grass from the area where you will be burning. Use paper and kindling to start the fire and add progressively larger pieces of wood. Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start a fire because the risk of personal injury is high. Burn one small pile of material at a time and slowly add to it. This helps to keep the fire from getting out of control. Select a location away from utility lines. Never add brush that is green or wet. It will reduce the efficiency of the fire and produce thick smoke.

Fires Must Be Attended Until Extinguished

An adult must attend the fire until it is completely extinguished.

Have Fire Control Tools Handy

Have fire extinguishing materials on hand including a water supply, shovels and rakes. Test the water source before igniting the fire. When putting the fire out burn the fire down to the coals, drown them with water, spread them out, then drown them again.

Watch the Wind and Be Prepared to Extinguish All Open Burning

Be prepared to extinguish the fire if the winds pick up or the weather changes. Use common sense. Don't wait for the fire department to contact you to say that it has been unsafe to burn. Most open burning gets out of control during a sudden wind change.  

Call For Help Immediately

If a fire gets out of control, call the fire department immediately. Use the utmost caution to prevent injury to yourself and others or any fire damage to your home. People conducting illegal burning, or who allow a fire to get out of control, may be held liable for the costs of extinguishing the fire in addition to fines or imprisonment (M.G.L.c.48 s.13).

01/2017