Outdoor Burning: Brookline vs Holbrook
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Brookline, MA and Holbrook, MA?
Holbrook has fewer restrictions than Brookline.
Brookline, MA
Norfolk County
Brookline is on Massachusetts's permanent year-round open burning prohibited list. Under MGL c. 48 §13, open burning is banned at all times in Brookline. No permits are issued for residential open burning.
View full Brookline 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 | Brookline | Holbrook |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | MGL c. 48 §13 | - |
| Year-Round Ban? | YES — Brookline is permanently banned | - |
| Permits Available? | No — no permits issued in Brookline | - |
| Enforcement | Brookline Fire Department | - |
| Burn Season | - | January 15 - May 1 |
| State Regulations | - | 310 CMR 7.07 / 527 CMR 1.00 §10.14 |
| Setback from Dwelling | - | 75 feet minimum |
| Allowed Materials | - | Brush, cane, driftwood, forestry debris |
| Daily Activation | - | Required each burn day |
| Extinguish By | - | 4:00 p.m. |
| Permit Contact | - | Holbrook Fire Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brookline FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Brookline?
Brookline is on Massachusetts's permanent year-round open burning prohibited list. Under MGL c. 48 §13, open burning is banned at all times in Brookline. No permits are issued for residential open burning.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Brookline?
State Law: MGL c. 48 §13. Year-Round Ban?: YES — Brookline is permanently banned. Permits Available?: No — no permits issued in Brookline. Enforcement: Brookline Fire Department.
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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