Middlesex County Burn Bans Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Permanently Banned In
- 11+ Middlesex County communities
- Open Burning Season
- January 15 – May 1 (where allowed)
- Permit Required
- Yes — from local fire department
- Burning Hours
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM only
- Distance from Dwellings
- At least 75 feet
- Maximum Fine
- $500 plus suppression costs
The Short Version
Open burning is prohibited year-round in at least 11 Middlesex County communities, including Arlington, Belmont, Cambridge, Everett, Lowell, Malden, Medford, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, and Watertown. In other Middlesex County towns, open burning is permitted only from January 15 through May 1 with a local fire department permit. Violations carry fines up to $500 plus suppression costs under MGL Chapter 48, Section 13.
Full Breakdown
Open burning in Middlesex County is governed by three overlapping regulatory frameworks: MGL Chapter 48, Section 13 (state fire law), 310 CMR 7.07 (MassDEP air quality regulation), and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code (527 CMR). The restrictions are particularly significant in Middlesex County because many of its densely populated communities are on the state's permanent burn-ban list.
Under 310 CMR 7.07, open burning is prohibited year-round in 22 Massachusetts cities and towns. At least 11 of these are in Middlesex County: Arlington, Belmont, Cambridge, Everett, Lowell, Malden, Medford, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, and Watertown. In these communities, no form of open burning is allowed at any time, regardless of the season.
In the remaining Middlesex County communities where open burning is not permanently banned, burning is permitted only during the annual open burning season from January 15 through May 1. A permit from the local fire department is required for each burn event, and the permit covers a period of no more than two days. Burning may only take place between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, must be at least 75 feet from all dwellings, and must not cause a nuisance. The fire chief or forest warden may impose additional conditions or deny permits based on local conditions.
Local fire departments may also declare "no burn" days during the season based on air quality conditions, high fire danger, or wind conditions. Only brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris from the property may be burned — household trash, construction debris, painted wood, and other materials are strictly prohibited.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Under MGL Chapter 48, Section 13, any person who violates the open burning provisions faces a fine of not more than $500 plus the cost of fire suppression, or imprisonment for up to one month, or both. If an illegal burn causes damage to another person's property, the responsible party may also face civil liability. In communities where burning is permanently banned, any outdoor burning (except cooking fires and recreational fire pits) constitutes a violation. Local fire departments actively enforce these regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do any outdoor burning in Cambridge, Somerville, or Lowell?
How do I get an open burning permit in a Middlesex County town where it is allowed?
What can I burn during open burning season?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in Middlesex County
How does Middlesex County compare?
See how Middlesex County's burn bans rules stack up against other locations.