Outdoor Burning: Burlington vs Cambridge
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Burlington, MA and Cambridge, MA?
Burlington and Cambridge have similar restriction levels.
Burlington, MA
Middlesex County
Open burning in Middlesex County is permitted ONLY January 15 through May 1 each year under 310 CMR 7.07, and only with a permit from the local fire department. All consumer fireworks remain banned statewide.
View full Burlington rules →Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Open burning is prohibited year-round in Cambridge. The state burn season under 310 CMR 7.07 (Jan 15 to May 1) excludes densely populated cities, so no residential brush burning is allowed.
View full Cambridge rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burlington | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Burn season | Jan 15 - May 1 ONLY | - |
| Code | 310 CMR 7.07 | - |
| Permit | Required from fire dept | - |
| Hours | 10am-4pm daily | - |
| Fireworks | ILLEGAL MGL c.148 s.39 | - |
| Open burning status | - | Prohibited all year |
| State regulation | - | 310 CMR 7.07 |
| Densely populated exclusion | - | Cambridge listed |
| Yard waste disposal | - | City collection or compost |
| Enforcement | - | Cambridge Fire Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burlington FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my yard?
No. Leaves are prohibited fuel under 310 CMR 7.07. Only brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris may be burned.
Are fireworks legal in Massachusetts?
No. All consumer fireworks including sparklers are illegal under MGL c.148 s.39. Only licensed display operators may use them.
Cambridge FAQ
Can I burn leaves in Cambridge in the spring?
No. Cambridge is excluded from the statewide open-burning season and never issues residential burn permits.
What should I do with my yard waste?
Use the Cambridge DPW yard-waste curbside collection or compost it on your property.
Compare other topics
See how Burlington and Cambridge compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool