Open Burning

Massachusetts allows residents to burn brush between January 15 and May 1, depending on weather conditions. You must have a permit issued by Northampton Fire Rescue and must comply with the regulations listed below.

Regulations

• You may only burn BRUSH! All other materials are illegal. No leaves, grass, hay, stumps, building debris or any other materials are allowed to be burned.
• All open burning must be a minimum of 75 feet from buildings or structures.
• Burning will be allowed to start at 10:00am and must be extinguished by 4pm.
• Any open fire must be attended at all times by the permit holder.
• No person shall set, maintain or increase a fire in open air at any time except by permission.
• You must be 18 years or older to apply for permit and/or set, maintain or increase fire once permission has been granted by the Fire Department.
• You must have an appropriate means to extinguish an open air fire completely at the end of the day or if requested by the Fire Department.
• The Fire Department can refuse or cancel a permit at any time. (Example: Violation of permit regulations, or change in weather conditions.)
• Open burning season is January 15 - May 1.
• Massachusetts Regulation 310 CMR: DEP 7.07 "Open Burning"