Burning brush and cut vegetation across Essex County is legal only during the January 15 to May 1 open-burning season, only with a daily fire department permit, and only at least 75 feet from any dwelling under MGL c.48 §13.
Massachusetts allows open burning of brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris only between January 15 and May 1, and only where the state Department of Environmental Protection permits it, which covers most Essex County communities. You must obtain a permit from the fire department each burn day, keep the fire at least 75 feet from any dwelling, and burn only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when conditions are safe. Grass, hay, leaves, and stumps may never be burned. There is no statewide defensible-space clearance mandate for private property, so brush removal for wildfire protection is voluntary.
Burning brush without a permit, outside the January 15 to May 1 season, or within 75 feet of a dwelling is punishable by a fine of up to $500 plus suppression costs, or up to one month imprisonment.
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