Permit and Inspection Fees
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 and enforcing
the DEP Regulations on open burning.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 9:00 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