Fire Pit Rules: Fall River vs Somerset
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Fall River, MA and Somerset, MA?
Somerset has fewer restrictions than Fall River.
Fall River, MA
Bristol County
Recreational wood-burning fire pits are prohibited in Fall River because the city is on the MassDEP list of communities that ban open burning at all times. Gas or propane fire pits may be permitted with proper clearances. Contact the Fall River Fire Prevention Division for specific guidance.
View full Fall River rules →Somerset, MA
Bristol County
Fire pit regulations in Bristol County vary by municipality. In towns with seasonal open burning, recreational fire pits are subject to MassDEP regulations. In Fall River and New Bedford (permanent ban), only cooking-purpose fire pits may be allowed. Gas and propane fire pits are generally treated differently.
View full Somerset rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fall River | Somerset |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Fire Pits | Prohibited (open burning ban) | - |
| Gas/Propane Pits | May be allowed — check with Fire Dept | - |
| Cooking Exception | Grills for cooking generally permitted | - |
| Contact | Fire Prevention Division | Local fire department |
| Cooking Pits | - | Generally permitted countywide |
| Recreational Pits | - | Varies by town — check locally |
| Fall River/New Bedford | - | Recreational pits prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fall River FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Fall River?
Recreational wood-burning fire pits are prohibited in Fall River because the city is on the MassDEP list of communities that ban open burning at all times. Gas or propane fire pits may be permitted with proper clearances. Contact the Fall River Fire Prevention Division for specific guidance.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Fall River?
Wood Fire Pits: Prohibited (open burning ban). Gas/Propane Pits: May be allowed — check with Fire Dept. Cooking Exception: Grills for cooking generally permitted. Contact: Fire Prevention Division.
Somerset FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Bristol County?
Fire pit regulations in Bristol County vary by municipality. In towns with seasonal open burning, recreational fire pits are subject to MassDEP regulations. In Fall River and New Bedford (permanent ban), only cooking-purpose fire pits may be allowed. Gas and propane fire pits are generally...
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Bristol County?
Cooking Pits: Generally permitted countywide. Recreational Pits: Varies by town — check locally. Fall River/New Bedford: Recreational pits prohibited. Contact: Local fire department.
Compare other topics
See how Fall River and Somerset 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