Backyard recreational fires (wood campfires, bonfires) are not permitted in Lowell at any time because the city is one of 22 Massachusetts communities where open burning is prohibited under 310 CMR 7.07(3)(e). Only charcoal/propane cooking grills and gas-fired heating appliances are allowed.
Lowell prohibits open burning at all times under 310 CMR 7.07(3)(e), so there is no provision for a permitted backyard recreational wood fire or bonfire as exists in most Massachusetts towns. The Lowell Fire Department's Open/Outside Burning Regulations state that 'burning is not allowed in fire pits, chimineas or outdoor wood burning fireplaces/stoves,' which covers backyard recreational fires. The only outdoor flames residents may have are: (1) charcoal and propane grills used for cooking, and (2) propane or natural-gas-fired heating appliances meeting 527 CMR 1.0 requirements, including placement at least 10 feet from any structure and a 'circle of safety' keeping children and pets three feet back. Appliances may be used on open (no roof) first-floor porches, decks, or patios only if there is an egress stairway directly off the deck to the ground or the deck is at ground level, and gas fire pits must never be used indoors or on fire escapes. Never leave a cooking or heating appliance unattended.
An unpermitted backyard wood fire is illegal open burning under 310 CMR 7.07; Lowell Fire may order it extinguished and air-pollution penalties under M.G.L. c. 111, sections 142A-142B (up to $25,000 per day) can apply. Reckless or negligent fires can also trigger criminal liability under M.G.L. c. 266, section 8.
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Lowell, MA
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Lowell, MA
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Lowell, MA
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Lowell, MA
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Lowell, MA
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Lowell, MA
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