Outdoor burning rules in Holbrook, 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.
Holbrook follows the Massachusetts statewide framework: residential open burning is permitted only between January 15 and May 1 with a daily permit from the Holbrook Fire Department under MassDEP 310 CMR 7.07 and 527 CMR 1.00 §10.14. The fire must be at least 75 feet from any dwelling, attended at all times, and out by 4 p.m. Only brush and forestry debris may be burned.
Massachusetts regulates residential open burning under MassDEP 310 CMR 7.07 (Air Pollution Control) and 527 CMR 1.00 §10.14 (State Fire Marshal). Open burning is prohibited statewide except during the January 15 - May 1 burn season. Holbrook, situated in Norfolk County, requires a daily permit from the Holbrook Fire Department for any open burning during that season. Permit holders must activate each day's burn (typically between 9-10 a.m. and noon), keep the fire at least 75 feet from any dwelling, attend it continuously, have suppression equipment ready, and fully extinguish it by 4 p.m. Eligible materials are limited to brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris generated on the property; burning of leaves, grass, hay, stumps, tires, household trash, construction/demolition debris, treated lumber, or yard waste is prohibited year-round. On high-wind or red-flag days the fire chief may suspend all permits. Cooking fires in barbecue grills and gas/propane fire pits used for warmth are not considered open burning, though they remain subject to general nuisance rules and manufacturer clearances.
Burning without an activated permit, outside the burn season, or with prohibited materials violates 310 CMR 7.07 and 527 CMR 1.00. MassDEP may assess civil penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation under M.G.L. c. 21A § 16. Holbrook Fire Department may issue municipal fines, revoke the permit, and recover suppression costs.
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