Leominster, MA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Section 3-4 of the Leominster Code of Ordinances prohibits any person from wilfully permitting the open burning of combustible material anywhere in the city; simply storing combustibles in a way that suggests they are meant to be burned is prima facie evidence of a violation. The section then lists narrow carve-outs, and two are squarely aimed at brush and land clearing: subsection (b)(5) covers the normal pursuit of agriculture the enforcing authority deems necessary, expressly naming pruning-related burns such as blueberry patches, dead raspberry stalks, fruit tree prunings and infected beehives destroyed for disease control, and subsection (b)(6) separately exempts agricultural land clearing and forest management operations.

c. 48, § 13. Holding that state permit does not immunize a landowner from prosecution if the fire still generates air contaminants, a nuisance, or a state of air pollution, and the permit itself can be revoked for cause. Section 3-5 puts enforcement in the hands of the police chief, the fire chief and the director of the board of health, any of whom can issue orders under the chapter. Because agriculture burning is judged necessary in the opinion of the enforcing authority, a landowner clearing brush should confirm with the fire department before lighting a pile rather than assume the exception applies automatically.