Waltham, MA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Waltham, MA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes from Waltham Fire Prevention Bureau
- Setback
- 25 feet from structures and property lines
- Container required
- Manufactured pit, chiminea, or fireplace
- Fuel allowed
- Clean dry firewood only
- Supervision
- Attended by adult at all times
Summary
Backyard recreational fires in Waltham require a Fire Department permit under 527 CMR 1.00. Fires must be in approved containers, attended, and kept 25 feet from structures and property lines.
Massachusetts Fire Code. The current Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code is based on NFPA 1 - 2021 edition, with Massachusetts amendments. Current State Fire Code: The current State Fire Code went into effect on December 9, 2022. To view the code free of charge: Visit the National Fire Protection Association's Codes and Standards page; Select NFPA 1 and "Free Access"; Select "2021 Fire Code" and click on "view". The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations also adopted Massachusetts amendments to the code to address unique situations in the Commonwealth. To view the current 527 CMR 1.00 Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code Amendments, please see additional resources below. Hard copies may be purchased through the Massachusetts State Bookstore. Additional Resources: Advisory - 2021 Amendment Package Memo; Massachusetts 527 CMR 1.00, 2021 Edition (effective May 12, 2023); Massachusetts 527 CMR 1.00, 2021 Edition (effective December 9, 2022 - February 2, 2023). Previous Versions of the State Fire Code: Code enforcement officials, architects, and engineers often need to refer to previous versions of the State Fire Code that were in effect when a building was built or occupied. Specific topical amendments include: 10.11 Open Flames; 10.11.6 Cooking Appliances (Grills); 13.7 Smoke Alarms; 18.1.1.3 One and two family detached dwellings and their accessory structures exemptions from access road requirements; 1.12.8.40.1 Permit requirements; Table 1.12.8.1 Permits.
Full Breakdown
Waltham regulates backyard recreational fires under 527 CMR 1.00 (Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code). A permit is required from the Waltham Fire Prevention Bureau for any open-flame recreational fire beyond a small cooking grill. Fires must be contained in a manufactured outdoor fireplace, chiminea, or approved fire pit with a spark screen, kept at least 25 feet from any structure, deck, fence, or property line, and attended by a responsible adult at all times. A garden hose or fire extinguisher must be immediately available. Only clean, dry firewood may be burned; leaves, yard waste, trash, and pressure-treated lumber are strictly prohibited. The Fire Chief may prohibit all outdoor fires during drought, red-flag weather, or air quality alerts. Neighbors experiencing smoke nuisance may file complaints with the Fire Department, which can order the fire extinguished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard bonfire in Waltham?
What if my neighbor complains about smoke?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waltham
How Waltham compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Waltham 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.