Fire Pit Rules: New Bedford vs Somerset
How do fire pit rules rules compare between New Bedford, MA and Somerset, MA?
Somerset has fewer restrictions than New Bedford.
New Bedford, MA
Bristol County
Recreational wood-burning fire pits are prohibited in New Bedford due to the year-round open burning ban under 310 CMR 7.07. Fire pits used strictly for cooking may be allowed if tended by someone 18+ and burning only clean, dry firewood. Gas or propane fire pits may be permitted.
View full New Bedford 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 | New Bedford | Somerset |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Fire Pits | Prohibited (open burning ban) | - |
| Cooking Exception | Allowed if tended by adult 18+ | - |
| Fuel | Only clean, dry firewood for cooking | - |
| Gas/Propane Pits | May be allowed — check with Fire Dept | - |
| Cooking Pits | - | Generally permitted countywide |
| Recreational Pits | - | Varies by town — check locally |
| Fall River/New Bedford | - | Recreational pits prohibited |
| Contact | - | Local fire department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New Bedford FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in New Bedford?
Recreational wood-burning fire pits are prohibited in New Bedford due to the year-round open burning ban under 310 CMR 7.07. Fire pits used strictly for cooking may be allowed if tended by someone 18+ and burning only clean, dry firewood. Gas or propane fire pits may be permitted.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in New Bedford?
Wood Fire Pits: Prohibited (open burning ban). Cooking Exception: Allowed if tended by adult 18+. Fuel: Only clean, dry firewood for cooking. Gas/Propane Pits: May be allowed — check with Fire Dept.
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.
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