Outdoor burning rules in Belchertown, MA — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Belchertown requires an open-burning permit from the Fire Department during the state-authorized window of January 15 to May 1. Permits cost $20 for the season; daily activation is required through the online portal or by calling the fire station. Burning hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with fires fully extinguished by 4 p.m. — only brush may be burned, and fires must be 75 feet from any building.
Belchertown follows MGL Chapter 48 Section 13 and Massachusetts open-burning regulations (310 CMR 7.07). Residents must register at the fire station once per season and pay a $20 fee covering the full burn season (typically January 15 - May 1). Once registered, daily activation is required — call the fire department at 413-323-7571 with name, address, and intent to burn that day, or use the online portal at belchertown.firepermits.com. Burning may only occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., must be fully extinguished by 4 p.m., and must be at least 75 feet from any building or structure. Only brush is allowed — no leaves, grass, hay, stumps, building debris, tires, or other materials. The Fire Department can refuse or cancel a permit at any time due to dry/windy conditions or violation of permit terms. The Hampshire County Burn Permits portal (hcburnpermits.com) is the unified daily-activation system for the area.
Open burning without a permit is a violation of MGL c.48 §16 (up to $500 fine) and 310 CMR 7.07. Burning prohibited materials (leaves, grass, construction debris) is a state-level violation. The Fire Department can cancel an active permit and impose additional sanctions for non-compliance.
See how Belchertown's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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