Fire pit rules in Middlesex County, MA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Middlesex County has no fire code; county government was abolished in 1997. Recreational fires in the 54 Middlesex towns are governed by 527 CMR 1.00 (Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, based on NFPA 1, 2021) and 310 CMR 7.07 (open burning). Open burning is BANNED year-round in Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Newton, Watertown, Waltham, and Lowell. In other Middlesex towns, recreational fires must be 25 feet from any structure and require a local fire chief permit.
Middlesex County has no county fire marshal or county fire code. Chapter 48 of the Acts of 1997 abolished the county; fire regulation is handled by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (statewide) and each town's fire department. The applicable framework is 527 CMR 1.00 (Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, based on NFPA 1, 2021 edition, effective December 9, 2022) and 310 CMR 7.07 (MassDEP open burning regulation). Per NFPA 1 Chapter 10 as adopted in 527 CMR 1.00, recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and the pile size is limited to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height; conditions that could spread fire within 25 feet must be eliminated before ignition. A constantly attended water source or extinguisher is required. 310 CMR 7.07 limits the open burning season to January 15 through May 1, between 10 AM and 4 PM, on land at least 75 feet from any dwelling, and only with a permit from the local fire warden (fire chief). Open burning is statutorily banned year-round in 22 Massachusetts cities and towns including Middlesex County's Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Newton, Watertown, Waltham, and Lowell, and in adjacent communities Arlington and Belmont. Gas-fueled fire pit appliances (propane, natural gas) are generally allowed under 527 CMR 1.00 without an open-burning permit. Wood-burning fire pits, chimineas, and recreational fires require contact with the local fire department before use. Confirm with your town fire department.
Enforcement is by the local town fire department and MassDEP. Per MGL c. 48, s. 13, illegal open burning is punishable by up to a $500 fine, plus suppression costs and potentially up to one month imprisonment. Local fire departments may also impose ticket-style 527 CMR violations and revoke future open-burning permits. Causing a brush or structure fire creates additional civil and criminal liability.
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