Outdoor Burning: Clinton vs Worcester
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Clinton, MA and Worcester, MA?
Clinton has fewer restrictions than Worcester.
Clinton, MA
Worcester County
Clinton allows residential open burning only between January 15 and May 1 with a daily permit from the Clinton Fire Department. Open burn hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To obtain permission to burn, residents must call the Public Safety Dispatch Center at (978) 365-4165 Option 0. The fire must be 75 feet from any dwelling, attended at all times, and limited to brush and forestry debris.
View full Clinton rules →Worcester, MA
Worcester County
Open burning is completely prohibited in Worcester under Massachusetts air pollution regulations (310 CMR 7.07). Worcester is one of 22 urbanized Massachusetts municipalities where no outdoor burning is allowed year-round.
View full Worcester rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clinton | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Season | January 15 - May 1 | - |
| Permitted Hours | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | - |
| Dispatch Phone | (978) 365-4165 Option 0 | - |
| Fire Dept Direct | (978) 365-4111 | - |
| Setback from Dwelling | 75 feet minimum | - |
| Allowed Materials | Brush, cane, driftwood, forestry debris | - |
| State Regulations | 310 CMR 7.07 / 527 CMR 1.00 §10.14 | - |
| Open Burning | - | Completely prohibited |
| Regulation | - | 310 CMR 7.07(3)(e) |
| Year-Round | - | No seasonal exceptions |
| Enforcement | - | Fire Dept + Mass DEP |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clinton FAQ
When can I burn brush in Clinton, MA?
Only during the Massachusetts state burn season, January 15 through May 1, and only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. with a daily permit. Call Clinton Public Safety Dispatch at (978) 365-4165 Option 0 to obtain permission each day you intend to burn.
How do I get a burn permit in Clinton?
Call the Public Safety Dispatch Center at (978) 365-4165 Option 0 to obtain a daily open-brush burning permit. Permits are only issued during the January 15 - May 1 season and may be denied on high-wind days.
Can I burn leaves or trash in Clinton?
No. MassDEP rule 310 CMR 7.07 prohibits burning leaves, grass, stumps, tires, household trash, and construction debris anywhere in Massachusetts year-round. Only brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris may be burned.
Worcester FAQ
Can I burn leaves or brush in Worcester?
No. Open burning is completely prohibited in Worcester year-round. Unlike many Massachusetts towns, Worcester has no seasonal burning window.
Why is Worcester different from other Massachusetts towns for burning?
Worcester is one of 22 urbanized municipalities where open burning is banned entirely under state air quality regulations, even during the January-May window available elsewhere.
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