Outdoor Burning: Webster vs Worcester
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Webster, MA and Worcester, MA?
Webster has fewer restrictions than Worcester.
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 →Worcester, MA
Worcester County
Open burning is completely prohibited in Worcester under Massachusetts air pollution regulations (310 CMR 7.07). Worcester is one of 22 urbanized Massachusetts municipalities where no outdoor burning is allowed year-round.
View full Worcester rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Webster | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Season | January 15 - May 1 | - |
| 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 | - |
| Hours | 10 a.m. start; extinguished by 4 p.m. | - |
| Daily Activation | Required each burn day | - |
| Fire Dept Contact | Webster Fire Department | - |
| Open Burning | - | Completely prohibited |
| Regulation | - | 310 CMR 7.07(3)(e) |
| Year-Round | - | No seasonal exceptions |
| Enforcement | - | Fire Dept + Mass DEP |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Worcester FAQ
Can I burn leaves or brush in Worcester?
No. Open burning is completely prohibited in Worcester year-round. Unlike many Massachusetts towns, Worcester has no seasonal burning window.
Why is Worcester different from other Massachusetts towns for burning?
Worcester is one of 22 urbanized municipalities where open burning is banned entirely under state air quality regulations, even during the January-May window available elsewhere.
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