Wildfire Zones: Webster vs Worcester
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Webster, MA and Worcester, MA?
Webster and Worcester have similar restriction levels.
Webster, MA
Worcester County
Worcester County MA does not have formal wildfire hazard zones like western states, but the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Bureau of Forest Fire Control operates under MGL c. 48 and enforces open burning restrictions. Wildfire risk is moderate in wooded western Worcester County (Petersham, Athol, Phillipston). Open burning season Jan 15 - May 1 only, permit required. Red-flag days trigger statewide burn bans. 780 CMR does not mandate wildland-urban interface standards.
View full Webster rules →Worcester, MA
Worcester County
Worcester County MA does not have formal wildfire hazard zones like western states, but the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Bureau of Forest Fire Control operates under MGL c. 48 and enforces open burning restrictions. Wildfire risk is moderate in wooded western Worcester County (Petersham, Athol, Phillipston). Open burning season Jan 15 - May 1 only, permit required. Red-flag days trigger statewide burn bans. 780 CMR does not mandate wildland-urban interface standards.
View full Worcester rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Webster | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Season | Jan 15 - May 1 only | Jan 15 - May 1 only |
| Permit | Local fire warden (MGL c. 48, §13) | Local fire warden (MGL c. 48, §13) |
| Hours | 10 AM - 4 PM | 10 AM - 4 PM |
| WUI Code | None in MA 780 CMR | None in MA 780 CMR |
| Red-Flag Ban | State Fire Marshal announces | State Fire Marshal announces |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Webster FAQ
Does Massachusetts have wildfire hazard zones like California?
No formally mapped FHSZ system. DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control manages wildfire response statewide. Elevated risk areas in Worcester County include western forested towns (Petersham, Athol, Phillipston).
When can I burn brush in Worcester County?
Only January 15 through May 1, 10 AM - 4 PM, with a permit from your local fire department issued under MGL c. 48, §13. Permits can be suspended on red-flag fire danger days.
Worcester FAQ
Does Massachusetts have wildfire hazard zones like California?
No formally mapped FHSZ system. DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control manages wildfire response statewide. Elevated risk areas in Worcester County include western forested towns (Petersham, Athol, Phillipston).
When can I burn brush in Worcester County?
Only January 15 through May 1, 10 AM - 4 PM, with a permit from your local fire department issued under MGL c. 48, §13. Permits can be suspended on red-flag fire danger days.
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