Fire Regulations in Waltham, MA (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for Waltham, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Waltham allows recreational fire pits under Massachusetts Fire Code 527 CMR 1.00 with a permit from the Fire Department. Fires must be small, attended, and 25+ feet from structures.
Waltham Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
All consumer fireworks are illegal in Waltham and throughout Massachusetts under MGL c.148 s.39. Possession, sale, or use of any fireworks by the public is prohibited with no exceptions.
Waltham Fireworks Rules
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Waltham property owners must maintain vegetation to prevent fire hazards under the city property maintenance code. The Fire Department can order removal of dead brush near structures or abutting properties.
Waltham Brush Clearance Rules
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Open burning of brush in Waltham is allowed only January 15 through May 1 under 310 CMR 7.07 with a daily permit from the Fire Department. Burning household trash or leaves is prohibited year-round.
Waltham Outdoor Burning Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Waltham is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone, but wooded areas near Beaver Brook Reservation and Prospect Hill Park present seasonal brush fire risk. No special WUI building codes apply.
Waltham Wildfire Zone Rules
Few RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Waltham enforces Massachusetts smoke and carbon monoxide detector laws under MGL c.148 s.26F. Detectors are required in all homes and must be inspected by the Fire Department before any property sale.
Waltham Smoke Detector Rules
Heavy RestrictionsBackyard Fires
Backyard recreational fires in Waltham require a Fire Department permit under 527 CMR 1.00. Fires must be in approved containers, attended, and kept 25 feet from structures and property lines.
Waltham Backyard Fire Rules
Some Restrictions527 CMR 1.00 Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code (2021 Edition, effective Dec 9, 2022)
Massachusetts Fire Code. The current Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code is based on NFPA 1 - 2021 edition, with Massachusetts amendments. Current State Fire Code: The current State Fire Code went into effect on December 9, 2022. To view the code free of charge: Visit the National Fire Protection Association's Codes and Standards page; Select NFPA 1 and "Free Access"; Select "2021 Fire...
Looking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Waltham city rules.
Fire Regulations in Middlesex County →