Small recreational campfires and cooking fires are allowed in Lowell backyards using clean firewood when properly attended and spaced from structures, but all brush and yard-waste burning is prohibited under the city non-burn designation.
Lowell allows residents to enjoy small backyard campfires, cooking fires, and patio fire bowls provided they follow Massachusetts Fire Code 527 CMR 1.00. Fires must use only clean dry seasoned firewood or charcoal, must be at least 25 feet from any structure, deck, fence, or overhanging branch, and must be contained in a fire pit, ring, or manufactured appliance. An adult must be present the entire time the fire is burning, and a water source or extinguisher must be immediately available. Fires should be fully extinguished before leaving them unattended and before going to bed. Burning leaves, yard waste, trash, treated wood, pressure-treated lumber, or construction debris is prohibited. Smoke that drifts into neighbors windows or a neighbor property and causes complaints can lead the Fire Department to order extinguishment under the nuisance-smoke provisions. Lowell Fire Prevention can be reached at 978-674-4020 for questions.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle backyard fires.
See how Lowell's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.