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.
Waltham regulates backyard recreational fires under 527 CMR 1.00 (Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code). A permit is required from the Waltham Fire Prevention Bureau for any open-flame recreational fire beyond a small cooking grill. Fires must be contained in a manufactured outdoor fireplace, chiminea, or approved fire pit with a spark screen, kept at least 25 feet from any structure, deck, fence, or property line, and attended by a responsible adult at all times. A garden hose or fire extinguisher must be immediately available. Only clean, dry firewood may be burned; leaves, yard waste, trash, and pressure-treated lumber are strictly prohibited. The Fire Chief may prohibit all outdoor fires during drought, red-flag weather, or air quality alerts. Neighbors experiencing smoke nuisance may file complaints with the Fire Department, which can order the fire extinguished.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle backyard fires.
See how Waltham's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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