THE 2024 OPEN BURNING SEASON

FOR PERMISSION TO BURN CALL 508-888-0525 ext. 6 After 10 A.M.

Open Burning is allowed Annually from Jan 15th thru May 1st 

FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 911

1)  The following IS allowed to be burned:                                                        

a)    Domestic tree trimming and pruning.

b)    Domestic garden preparation.

c)    Commercial tree trimming and pruning.

d)    Maintenance of existing access ways.

e)    Removal of driftwood from beach and shore areas.

2)  The following IS NOT allowed to be burned:

a)    Grass, hay, leaves and pine needles.

b)    Industrial or commercial land clearing for site or road development.

c)    Reduction of material other than natural wood.

d)    Reduction of whole trees and stumps.

e)    Reduction of construction or demolition materials.

3)  Open burning MUST be accomplished in accordance with the following:

a)    Without causing a nuisance.

b)    With smoke minimizing starters.

c)    On land proximate to the place of generation of such material.

d)    At a location greater than 75 feet from any dwelling.

e)    Permission is good for one fire only at one specified address.

f)     For permission to burn call 508-888-0525 OPTION 6 BETWEEN 10AM AND 2PM each day burning is desired.  A voice recording will state if weather and forest conditions allow, for that day only.

g)    No permission will be given when the wind speed is at or above 10 miles per hour.

h)    All Fires shall be between 10 am and 4 pm and must be out by 4 pm including embers.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

i)      Do not call before 10 AM for authorization to burn.

j)      A water supply shall be nearby for fire control.

k)    A responsible person must be in attendance at all times while the fire is burning and until all embers are out.

l)      Violations of this policy and applicable state law may result in the permission being revoked and the person to whom the permission was issued having to report to the Fire Chief, or his designee, within 48 hours. Any violation may result in loss of burning privileges for the remainder of the season, costs incurred for fire control, and or criminal charges per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 48 sec. 13 with a fine up to $100.00 and or imprisonment for one month.

m)  Agricultural permits will not be allowed to start after 1200 noon on any given day, per DEP recommendations.

n) Beach fires depend on location factors and have other regulations as well.

For Safety Tips on open burning, please contact www.mass.gov/dfs or call

978-567-3300

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