Outdoor Burning: Fitchburg vs Webster
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Fitchburg, MA and Webster, MA?
Fitchburg and Webster 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 →Webster, MA
Worcester County
Webster allows residential open burning only between January 15 and May 1 under MassDEP rule 310 CMR 7.07 and 527 CMR 1.00 §10.14. A daily permit from the Webster Fire Department is required, the fire must be at least 75 feet from any dwelling, only brush and forestry debris may be burned, and the fire must be attended at all times and extinguished by 4 p.m.
View full Webster rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fitchburg | Webster |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Season | Jan 15–May 1 | January 15 - May 1 |
| Hours | 10 AM–4 PM | 10 a.m. start; extinguished by 4 p.m. |
| Permit | Health Dept: 978-829-1870 | - |
| Setback | 75 ft from any building/tree | - |
| State Regulations | - | 310 CMR 7.07 / 527 CMR 1.00 §10.14 |
| Setback from Dwelling | - | 75 feet minimum |
| Allowed Materials | - | Brush, cane, driftwood, forestry debris |
| Daily Activation | - | Required each burn day |
| Fire Dept Contact | - | Webster Fire Department |
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.
Webster FAQ
When can I burn brush in Webster, MA?
Only during the Massachusetts state burn season, January 15 through May 1, with a daily permit from the Webster Fire Department. The fire must be attended and extinguished by 4 p.m.
How do I get a burn permit in Webster?
Contact the Webster Fire Department to apply, then activate the permit on each specific day you intend to burn. Permits are issued only between January 15 and May 1 and are subject to suspension on high-risk weather days.
Can I burn leaves or yard trash in Webster?
No. Massachusetts 310 CMR 7.07 prohibits burning leaves, grass, stumps, tires, trash, and demolition debris anywhere in the state, year-round. Only brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris from your property may be burned during the open-burn season.
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