Backyard Fires: Somerville vs Waltham
How do backyard fires rules compare between Somerville, MA and Waltham, MA?
Waltham has fewer restrictions than Somerville.
Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Recreational cooking fires are allowed only if they meet 527 CMR 1.00 clearance rules. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited year round under state no-burn designation.
View full Somerville rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Backyard recreational fires in Waltham require a Fire Department permit under 527 CMR 1.00. Fires must be in approved containers, attended, and kept 25 feet from structures and property lines.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Somerville | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking fires | Allowed with 15 ft clearance | - |
| Yard waste burning | Never permitted | - |
| Size limit | 3 ft diameter and height | - |
| Attendance | Adult with extinguisher | - |
| Nuisance authority | Somerville Fire | - |
| Permit required | - | Yes from Waltham Fire Prevention Bureau |
| Setback | - | 25 feet from structures and property lines |
| Container required | - | Manufactured pit, chiminea, or fireplace |
| Fuel allowed | - | Clean dry firewood only |
| Supervision | - | Attended by adult at all times |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Somerville FAQ
Can I cook over a fire in my backyard?
Yes, if the fire is small, 15 feet from structures, and attended. Density makes this hard on most Somerville lots.
Can I burn leaves in the fall?
No. Somerville is a no-burn community with no seasonal burn permits issued.
Waltham FAQ
Can I have a backyard bonfire in Waltham?
Only with a permit from the Fire Department and only in an approved contained fire pit. Large open bonfires are not permitted in residential areas.
What if my neighbor complains about smoke?
The Fire Department can respond and order the fire extinguished if it creates a nuisance or safety hazard.
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