Open Burning in Massachusetts

The City of Northampton does allow open burning under the guidelines of the Department of Environmental Protection. Open Burning is authorized from January 15 to May 1. Burning is permitted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Officer in Charge of the Fire Department will determine if burning will be allowed at the beginning of the shift and can suspend burning if weather conditions change.

Items Approved for Burning

Homeowners are permitted to burn brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris. This does not include grass, hay, leaves or stumps.
There are no circumstances where it is legal to burn grass, hay, leaves, stumps or tires. They simply do not burn as "cleanly".

Reasons for Restriction on Open Burning

The Department of Environmental Protection and the local fire departments limit open burning for public health and safety purposes. Open burning pollutes the air and can make it difficult for people with respiratory problems to breathe. When the air is stagnant, open burning can pose smoke and odor nuisances as well as health risks to nearby residents, particularly in densely populated areas. Open burning can also pose a safety risk when it is not adequately controlled.

Additional Information

Try to start the fire with natural "kindling", never with gasoline, motor oil or charcoal lighter fluid. If you must use artificial assistance, kerosene is probably safest. While burning, never add brush that is green or wet. This will omit thick smoke and will reduce the efficiency of the fire. Someone must attend the fire at all times until completely extinguished. You will need a hose or other supply of water and a shovel or rake for controlling the fire.

Safely Extinguishing Your Fire

The best way to extinguish your pile is to burn the fire down to the coals and drown them with water. Carefully use the rake or shovel to spread out the coals and drown them again with water. If at any point during the burning, you feel that you cannot safely control the burn pile, contact the Public Safety Dispatch Center and the Fire Department will be dispatched to assist you. If the fire is beyond control and threatening structures, animals or people, call 911 immediately.

Open Burning Guidelines

Preparing Your Burn Pile: Choose a spot no less that 75 feet from all dwellings but as close as possible to a water source. Remove all grass from the area where you will be burning. Materials may be piled up to 3 feet high, 10 feet in width and 25 feet in length. Any deviation from these rules will result in denial of your burn permit.
Contact Northampton Public Safety: When your burn pile is prepared call 587-1100. The dispatcher will take your information. The Fire Department will inspect your pile and will approve or deny your permit. Inspections are not scheduled and are at the convenience of the shift on duty. It is best to call day(s) prior to the desired burning day.
When You Wish to Burn: Contact Northampton Public Safety, 587-1100. The dispatcher will advise if burning will be permitted for the day. Give your permit number and address. The Dispatcher will reference the permit in the computer and will enter that you will be burning today.