Fall River, MA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Fall River, 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.
Key Facts
- Open Burning
- Prohibited at all times
- Authority
- MassDEP 310 CMR 7.07
- Grills for Cooking
- Generally permitted (charcoal/propane)
- Enforcement
- Fall River Fire Department
Summary
Fall River is designated by MassDEP as a community where open burning is prohibited at all times under 310 CMR 7.07. This includes backyard fire pits used for recreational purposes. The ban applies year-round with no seasonal exceptions.
No person shall set, maintain or increase a fire in the open air at any time except by permission, covering a period not exceeding two days from the date thereof, granted by the forest warden or chief of the fire department in cities and towns, or, in cities having such an official, the fire commissioner... persons eighteen years of age or older may, without a permit, set, maintain or increase a reasonable fire for the purpose of cooking, upon sandy or gravelly land free from living or dead vegetation or upon sandy or rocky beaches bordering on tidewater, if the fire is enclosed within rocks, metal or other nonflammable material.
Full Breakdown
Unlike many Massachusetts communities that allow open burning from January 15 to May 1 with a permit, Fall River is on the MassDEP list of municipalities where open burning is banned entirely. This prohibition covers brush, leaves, and yard waste burning. Violations are enforced by the Fall River Fire Department. Charcoal and propane grills used for cooking are generally permitted. Failure to comply can result in significant fines.
Violations & Fines
Burning without permit: $100 to $500. Burning outside season: $100 to $500. Prohibited materials: additional penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Fall River?
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Fall River?
Sources & Official References
- [1]Source
Other rules in Fall River
How Fall River compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Fall River to another location·View the Massachusetts fire regulations overview
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Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle outdoor burning.