January 2, 2007

Open Burning Season

Please remember that open burning in Massachusetts is allowed only by permit, from January 15th through May 1st each year so long as acceptable weather conditions allow. Acceptable conditions are established by the State Department of Environmental Protection and the State Forest Fire Control and Forestry - DCR. The local fire department and fire warden are responsible for administering/enforcing the DEP Regulations on open burning.

As noted in the Forest Warden's Report in the last Annual Town Report, "starting January 15, 2007, burning permits must be obtained in person, once for each season, and your signature obtained indicating acceptance of the conditions of burning" [chapter 48 §13]. Permits will be issued via the dispatcher and you will be given a permit number and a copy of the open burning regulations. You may then call in each day you wish to burn [Do not call until 9:30 a.m. @ (978) 838-2444]. If conditions permit, you will be authorized to exercise your permit for that day. Open burning is allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. No fire shall be started past 12:00 noon. As always, authorization is for that day only and is subject to revocation if conditions worsen, or at any time for violation of the regulations.

Violations of the open burning regulations may subject you to written warnings, citations, fines, and/or charges for extinguishing the fire under Chapter 48 and 310 CMR 7.

 

 

Bruce E. Ricard
Forest Warden