Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Open burning is currently prohibited in Barnstable county.
What this means
- Open burning of yard waste, brush and debris
- Trash and vegetation burning of any kind
- Warming fires and unattended fires outdoors
- Small cooking fires (grill, camp stove)
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
Sources & audit log
| Checked | Source | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 21, 2026 | MassDEP / MA Department of Fire Services ↗ | status: Burn Ban in Effect |
Neighbouring counties
Notify me when this changes
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Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around Barnstable county's restriction — they're what stays legal regardless of it: contained burning, screened fire pits, and basic fire safety gear. Always confirm locally before burning anything.
Contained burn barrels
A lidded, spark-arrestor barrel keeps debris burning contained rather than as open burning — check your county's rules, since some bans cover any outdoor fire regardless of containment.
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Most burn bans target open debris burning, not a screened recreational fire pit — but always confirm locally, since some restrictions cover any outdoor flame.
Fire extinguishers
Always worth having on hand near any permitted fire, ban or no ban.
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Limits of this information
burnbanradar reads public burn-ban orders as published by MassDEP / MA Department of Fire Services and reports them unchanged. Cities and municipalities within Barnstable county may impose stricter rules than the county order. Water districts and state forestry rules may add further restrictions. When an order is ambiguous or the source cannot be reached, we show Unconfirmed instead of guessing a status. The county's own posted order governs.
Common questions
Is Barnstable county under a burn ban right now?
Yes. Barnstable county is currently under a burn ban issued by MassDEP / MA Department of Fire Services. Open burning is prohibited until the order is lifted.
When did the Barnstable burn ban start?
The exact start date is not carried in the source feed. We started tracking this ban at Aug 21, 2026.
What can I still burn in Barnstable county during this ban?
During a burn ban, small cooking fires (grills, camp stoves) typically remain allowed. Open burning of yard waste, brush, debris, and trash is prohibited. Consult the county order or fire marshal for exceptions — some jurisdictions permit specific commercial activities.
How do I report an illegal fire in Barnstable county?
Call 911 for any fire that is out of control or threatens property. For a non-emergency burn-ban violation, you can also reach Massachusetts Arson Watch Hotline at 1-800-682-9229 (confidential tips on suspected arson, rewards up to $5,000; call 911 for an active fire), or contact the Barnstable Sheriff's Office.