Fire Pit Rules: Ayer vs Somerville

Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in a Middlesex County, MA town?

There is no county fire code (Middlesex County government was abolished in 1997). Statewide, 527 CMR 1.00 (based on NFPA 1, 2021) requires recreational fires to be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, with a pile no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high. Open wood burning is banned year-round in Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Newton, Watertown, Waltham, and Lowell. In other Middlesex towns, contact your local fire department for a recreational-fire permit.

Are propane or natural gas fire pits allowed in Middlesex County towns?

Gas-fueled fire pit appliances are generally allowed under 527 CMR 1.00 without an open-burning permit because they are listed as approved appliances rather than open burning. They are usually permitted even in towns where wood burning is banned (Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, etc.), but installation and clearance must follow the manufacturer listing and the National Fuel Gas Code. Confirm with your local fire department, especially for use on apartment balconies, where most towns prohibit them.

Can I have a backyard fire pit in Somerville?

Only if you can meet the 15 foot clearance from any structure or combustible. Most Somerville lots cannot accommodate this due to density.

Do I need a permit?

No permit for recreational fires under 3 feet in diameter, but all fire code rules apply. Open burning requires a separate permit.