Backyard Fires: Cambridge vs Waltham
How do backyard fires rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Waltham, MA?
Waltham has fewer restrictions than Cambridge.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Backyard fires are heavily restricted in Cambridge. Only small contained cooking fires in UL-listed devices are allowed, with no open ground fires and no brush or yard-waste burning anywhere.
View full Cambridge rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Backyard recreational fires in Waltham require a Fire Department permit under 527 CMR 1.00. Fires must be in approved containers, attended, and kept 25 feet from structures and property lines.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Open ground fires | Prohibited | - |
| UL-listed portable fireplaces | Allowed with conditions | - |
| Balcony grills multi-family | Prohibited | - |
| Minimum clearance | 25 feet from structures | - |
| Complaint channel | iReport/311 | - |
| Permit required | - | Yes from Waltham Fire Prevention Bureau |
| Setback | - | 25 feet from structures and property lines |
| Container required | - | Manufactured pit, chiminea, or fireplace |
| Fuel allowed | - | Clean dry firewood only |
| Supervision | - | Attended by adult at all times |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Can I have a bonfire for a birthday in my Cambridge yard?
No. True bonfires are not permitted. A small propane fire feature with proper clearance is the usual legal alternative.
Can I use a charcoal grill on my third-floor porch?
Not in buildings with more than two dwelling units. MA Fire Code prohibits open-flame cooking on those balconies.
Waltham FAQ
Can I have a backyard bonfire in Waltham?
Only with a permit from the Fire Department and only in an approved contained fire pit. Large open bonfires are not permitted in residential areas.
What if my neighbor complains about smoke?
The Fire Department can respond and order the fire extinguished if it creates a nuisance or safety hazard.
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