Outdoor Burning: Bellingham vs Quincy
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Bellingham, MA and Quincy, MA?
Bellingham and Quincy 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 →Quincy, MA
Norfolk County
Quincy is not in the Massachusetts year-round open burning ban list. Under MGL c. 48 §13, open burning is permitted seasonally with a local fire department permit. The burning season runs January 15 to May 1, 10 AM–4 PM only.
View full Quincy rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellingham | Quincy |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Season | January 15 - May 1 (state-wide) | - |
| State Regulations | 310 CMR 7.07 / 527 CMR 1.00 §10.14 | - |
| Daily Activation | Call 10 a.m. - 12 noon | - |
| Extinguished By | 4:00 p.m. | - |
| Setback from Dwelling | 75 feet minimum | - |
| Allowed Material | Brush, cane, driftwood, forestry debris only | - |
| Permit Portal | permiteyes.us/bellingham | - |
| Fire Dept Contact | 508-966-1112 | - |
| State Law | - | MGL c. 48 §13 |
| Season | - | January 15 – May 1 |
| Hours | - | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Permit Required | - | Yes — from Quincy Fire Dept. |
| Year-Round Ban? | - | No (Quincy not on banned list) |
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.
Quincy FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Quincy?
Quincy is not in the Massachusetts year-round open burning ban list. Under MGL c. 48 §13, open burning is permitted seasonally with a local fire department permit. The burning season runs January 15 to May 1, 10 AM–4 PM only.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Quincy?
State Law: MGL c. 48 §13. Season: January 15 – May 1. Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Permit Required: Yes — from Quincy Fire Dept..
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