The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and your local fire department limit open burning for public health and safety purposes.

Open burning is prohibited in 22 of the state's largest cities and towns due to the density of population and close proximity of buildings within their borders. 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.

In addition to Open Brush Burning, and Agricultural Burning,

• Christmas Tree burning between December 26 and January 7th (although recycling trees by chipping them in landscaping material is more beneficial to the environment.

• One ceremonial bonfire each to observe a municipal, state, or national event

• A Bonfire between July 2 and July 6 in observance of Independence Day.

• With the approval of the DEP, the fire department may also stage outdoor fires for purposes of fire prevention, protection, research, and training.

Outdoor Cooking

Outdoor cooking fires are allowed year-round in all communities and are not subject to open burning limits.

Visit the following for more detailed information:

Open Brush Burning - Cooking/Outdoor Fires - Agricultural Burning

Please Review the following regulation for more information.

Massachusetts General Law

M.G.L. c. 48 s. 27

M.G.L. c. 48 s. 13

M.G.L. c 111 s. 142L

M.G.L. c 128 s. 1a

310 CMR 7.07

M.G.L. c 148