Burn bans in Massachusetts
Under MassDEP's air pollution regulation (310 CMR 7.07), open burning of any combustible material is prohibited by default, statewide, year-round. The only general-public carve-out is for brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris — legal only from January 15 to May 1 each year, only between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., only more than 75 feet from any dwelling, and only with a local permit from the fire chief or forest warden (M.G.L. c.48 §13). Even during that window, MassDEP can suspend burning statewide on any day of poor air quality (announced through the news media), and 22 densely built cities and towns are excluded from the exemption entirely, year-round.
Open burning of brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris is only exempt from Massachusetts's default statewide ban from January 15 through May 1 each year, and even then only 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with a local permit, and subject to same-day suspension by MassDEP on poor-air-quality days. Outside that window, the default ban applies to everyone.
All counties in Massachusetts
| county | Status | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Barnstable | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Berkshire | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Bristol | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Dukes | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Essex | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Franklin | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Hampden | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Hampshire | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Middlesex | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Nantucket | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Norfolk | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Plymouth | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Suffolk | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
| Worcester | Burn Ban in Effect | — |
How Massachusetts decides
- Massachusetts's rule runs backwards from most states: open burning is banned by default everywhere, year-round, and the January 15-May 1 window is the narrow exception, not the restriction.
- 22 cities and towns — Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Malden, Medford, New Bedford, Newton, Somerville, Springfield, Waltham, Watertown, West Springfield, and Worcester — never qualify for the exemption, in-season or not.
- MassDEP can call a no-burn day on short notice during the open season whenever air quality or fire weather is poor — check MassAir Online or call the Air Quality Hotline at (800) 882-1497 before burning, even in-season.
- Massachusetts's counties are mostly administrative rather than governing bodies — the fire chief or forest warden of your specific town, not the county, decides whether to issue a permit.
Penalties in Massachusetts
Under M.G.L. c.48 §13, violating the open-air-fire permit requirements is punishable by a fine of not more than $500 plus the cost of fire suppression, imprisonment for not more than one month, or both. Reckless burning that damages property or endangers people can bring separate, more serious charges.
Classification: Fine or imprisonment · Maximum fine: up to $500 plus suppression costs, or up to 1 month in jail, or both
Common questions about Massachusetts burn bans
Is there a burn ban in Massachusetts right now?
Yes — 14 counties in Massachusetts are currently under a burn ban. The county table above lists each one with its effective date and source.
How does Massachusetts issue a burn ban?
Under MassDEP's air pollution regulation (310 CMR 7.07), open burning of any combustible material is prohibited by default, statewide, year-round. The only general-public carve-out is for brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris — legal only from January 15 to May 1 each year, only between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., only more than 75 feet from any dwelling, and only with a local permit from the fire chief or forest warden (M.G.L. c.48 §13). Even during that window, MassDEP can suspend burning statewide on any day of poor air quality (announced through the news media), and 22 densely built cities and towns are excluded from the exemption entirely, year-round.
When is the Massachusetts burning restriction in effect?
May 2 through January 14. Today the rule is in effect.
What are the penalties for violating a burn ban in Massachusetts?
Under M.G.L. c.48 §13, violating the open-air-fire permit requirements is punishable by a fine of not more than $500 plus the cost of fire suppression, imprisonment for not more than one month, or both. Reckless burning that damages property or endangers people can bring separate, more serious charges.
burnbanradar reports the counties-level orders as published by MassDEP / MA Department of Fire Services. Municipal ordinances may impose stricter rules. When MassDEP / MA Department of Fire Services does not list a county, that does not mean no ban exists — verify with the county office. The published order governs.