Bellingham, MA Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Massachusetts regulates fire pits through MassDEP (310 CMR 7.07 - Open Burning) and the State Fire Marshal (527 CMR 1.00 §10.14). Unless a fire pit is being used exclusively for cooking, it is subject to open-burning rules. In Bellingham, this means a recreational fire pit burning wood for warmth or ambiance requires a daily permit from the Bellingham Fire Department, is allowed only between January 15 and May 1, must be activated by phone between 10 a.m. and noon, and must be fully extinguished by 4 p.m. The fire pit (or any open recreational fire) must be located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, must be attended at all times by a competent adult, and must have a hose, fire extinguisher, or other extinguishing equipment immediately available. Commercially manufactured fire bowls, chimineas, and propane/natural-gas fire features are generally treated as appliances and are subject to manufacturer-specified clearances rather than the open-burning permit rule, but are still subject to nuisance enforcement if smoke or odors disturb neighbors. Only seasoned, untreated firewood may be burned; pressure-treated lumber, painted wood, leaves, trash, and yard debris are prohibited. Contact Bellingham Fire Department at 508-966-1112 to confirm specifics for portable or permanent fire pits before installation.