Lowell, MA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Lowell, MA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Wood fire pits / chimineas
- Prohibited (open-burning ban)
- Gas fire pits
- Allowed; >= 10 ft from any structure
- Standard
- 527 CMR 1.0; 310 CMR 7.07(3)(e)
- Permit (hard-piped)
- Lowell Fire Prevention + City Gas/Plumbing Inspector
Summary
Wood-burning fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor wood-burning fireplaces are prohibited in Lowell because open burning is banned at all times under 310 CMR 7.07(3)(e). The Lowell Fire Department does authorize propane- and natural-gas-fired fire pits if they meet 527 CMR 1.0 placement and safety requirements.
Burning is not allowed in fire pits, chimineas or outdoor wood burning fireplaces/stoves. ... Lowell Fire authorizes the use of Propane or Natural gas fired heating appliances (fire pits or fireplaces) as they don't produce smoke, flying embers and are small in size. ... COOKING AND HEATING APPLIANCES ARE ALLOWED ONLY IF THEY MEET THE FOLLOWING 527 CMR 1.0 REQUIREMENTS: Must be 10' from any structure or building; ... Appliances cannot be under any combustible overhangs or roofs unless a sprinkler system is installed per state building code; Hard piped appliances must be permitted and inspected by Lowell Fire Prevention and the City Gas/Plumbing Inspector.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
' As an exception, Lowell Fire authorizes the use of propane or natural-gas-fired heating appliances (fire pits or fireplaces) because they don't produce smoke or flying embers and are small in size. 0 requirements: placed at least 10 feet from any structure or building; not under combustible overhangs or roofs unless a sprinkler system is installed per the state building code; not above the ground floor unless an egress stairway leads directly off the deck or a sprinkler system is installed; propane containers may not be stored in or pass through any building; and the appliance must not block any ingress or egress.
Hard-piped appliances must be permitted and inspected by Lowell Fire Prevention and the City Gas/Plumbing Inspector. Lowell Fire also advises keeping children and pets three feet away ('a circle of safety') and never leaving the appliance unattended.
Violations & Fines
Wood-burning fire pits constitute illegal open burning under 310 CMR 7.07; the fire department may order the fire extinguished and pursue penalties under M.G.L. c. 111, sections 142A-142B. Operating a hard-piped gas appliance without the required Lowell Fire Prevention and Gas/Plumbing inspection violates 527 CMR 1.0 and the state fuel-gas code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a wood-burning fire pit in Lowell?
Are propane or natural-gas fire pits allowed?
Where must a gas fire pit be placed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lowell
How Lowell compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Lowell to another location·View the Massachusetts fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle fire pits & backyard fires.