Outdoor Burning: Fitchburg vs Oxford
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Fitchburg, MA and Oxford, MA?
Fitchburg and Oxford have similar restriction levels.
Fitchburg, MA
Worcester County
Fitchburg allows open burning Jan 15–May 1 under MGL c. 48, §13 and 310 CMR 7.07. Burn permits required — apply through Fitchburg Health Department (978-829-1870). Burning allowed 10 AM–4 PM only. Call Fire Dispatch after 10 AM before burning (978-345-9660 x0). Must be 75 feet from any building.
View full Fitchburg rules →Oxford, MA
Worcester County
Open burning in Massachusetts is governed by MGL c. 48, §13 and 310 CMR 7.07. The regulated burning season runs January 15–May 1, with burning allowed only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. with a permit from the local fire department. No county ordinance.
View full Oxford rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fitchburg | Oxford |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Season | Jan 15–May 1 | Jan 15–May 1, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Hours | 10 AM–4 PM | - |
| Permit | Health Dept: 978-829-1870 | Local fire department |
| Setback | 75 ft from any building/tree | - |
| State Law | - | MGL c. 48, §13 |
| County Code | - | None — county abolished 1998 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fitchburg FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Fitchburg?
Fitchburg allows open burning Jan 15–May 1 under MGL c. 48, §13 and 310 CMR 7.07. Burn permits required — apply through Fitchburg Health Department (978-829-1870). Burning allowed 10 AM–4 PM only. Call Fire Dispatch after 10 AM before burning (978-345-9660 x0). Must be 75 feet from any building.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Fitchburg?
Burn Season: Jan 15–May 1. Hours: 10 AM–4 PM. Permit: Health Dept: 978-829-1870. Setback: 75 ft from any building/tree.
Oxford FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Worcester County?
Open burning in Massachusetts is governed by MGL c. 48, §13 and 310 CMR 7.07. The regulated burning season runs January 15–May 1, with burning allowed only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. with a permit from the local fire department. No county ordinance.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Worcester County?
State Law: MGL c. 48, §13. Burn Season: Jan 15–May 1, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.. Permit: Local fire department. County Code: None — county abolished 1998.
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