Outdoor Burning: Bellingham vs Holbrook
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Bellingham, MA and Holbrook, MA?
Bellingham and Holbrook have similar restriction levels.
Bellingham, MA
Norfolk County
Bellingham allows residential open burning only during the Massachusetts state burn season — January 15 through May 1 — with a daily permit from the Bellingham Fire Department. Permits are issued through the online Permiteyes system, and a per-day activation call is required between 10 a.m. and noon. Only brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris from the permit-holder's own property may be burned; leaves, grass, rubbish, and construction debris are prohibited.
View full Bellingham rules →Holbrook, MA
Norfolk County
Holbrook follows the Massachusetts statewide framework: residential open burning is permitted only between January 15 and May 1 with a daily permit from the Holbrook Fire Department under MassDEP 310 CMR 7.07 and 527 CMR 1.00 §10.14. The fire must be at least 75 feet from any dwelling, attended at all times, and out by 4 p.m. Only brush and forestry debris may be burned.
View full Holbrook rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellingham | Holbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Season | January 15 - May 1 (state-wide) | January 15 - May 1 |
| State Regulations | 310 CMR 7.07 / 527 CMR 1.00 §10.14 | 310 CMR 7.07 / 527 CMR 1.00 §10.14 |
| Daily Activation | Call 10 a.m. - 12 noon | Required each burn day |
| Extinguished By | 4:00 p.m. | - |
| Setback from Dwelling | 75 feet minimum | 75 feet minimum |
| Allowed Material | Brush, cane, driftwood, forestry debris only | - |
| Permit Portal | permiteyes.us/bellingham | - |
| Fire Dept Contact | 508-966-1112 | - |
| Allowed Materials | - | Brush, cane, driftwood, forestry debris |
| Extinguish By | - | 4:00 p.m. |
| Permit Contact | - | Holbrook Fire Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellingham FAQ
When can I burn brush in Bellingham, MA?
Only during the Massachusetts state burn season — January 15 through May 1 — and only with a daily permit from the Bellingham Fire Department activated by phone between 10 a.m. and noon. All fires must be out by 4 p.m.
How do I get a burn permit in Bellingham?
Apply online through Permiteyes (permiteyes.us/bellingham). After your permit is issued, you must call to activate it on each specific day you intend to burn, between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. The fire department reserves the right to suspend permits on high-risk weather days.
Can I burn leaves or trash in Bellingham?
No. Massachusetts open-burning rules (310 CMR 7.07) prohibit burning leaves, grass, stumps, tires, demolition or construction debris, and household trash anywhere in the state, year-round.
Holbrook FAQ
When can I burn brush in Holbrook, MA?
Only during the Massachusetts open-burn season, January 15 through May 1, and only with an activated daily permit from the Holbrook Fire Department. The fire must be 75 feet from any dwelling and out by 4 p.m.
How do I get a burn permit in Holbrook?
Contact the Holbrook Fire Department to apply for a seasonal permit, then activate it each day you intend to burn. Permits may be denied on high-wind or red-flag days.
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Holbrook?
No. MassDEP rule 310 CMR 7.07 prohibits burning leaves, grass, stumps, tires, household trash, and construction debris year-round. Only brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris may be burned.
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