Burning brush to clear vegetation in Hampshire County requires a fire department permit under MGL c.48 §13, allowed only during the January 15–May 1 open-burn season, with a 75-foot setback from dwellings.
Massachusetts sets no statewide defensible-space mandate, but disposing of brush by fire is governed by MGL c.48 §13. Hampshire County residents may burn brush, cane, and forestry debris only from January 15 through May 1, and only with a permit from the local forest warden or fire chief covering up to two days. State air regulations (310 CMR 7.07) require a 75-foot setback from dwellings and prohibit burning leaves, grass, or construction debris. Fire departments issue permits daily based on weather. The wooded slopes of the Holyoke Range and Mount Tom carry the highest brush-fire risk in spring, March through May, before green-up.
Burning brush without a permit, or outside the January 15–May 1 season, carries a fine of up to $500 plus the cost of suppression, or imprisonment for up to one month.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Hampshire County, MA
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