Outdoor burning rules in Saugus, 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.
Saugus follows the Massachusetts state framework: residential open burning is allowed only between January 15 and May 1, requires a daily permit from the Saugus Fire Department, must be at least 75 feet from any dwelling, and is limited to brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris from the permit-holder's own property. Burning leaves, grass, trash, or construction debris is prohibited year-round.
Saugus has adopted 527 CMR 1.00 (Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code) and operates under MassDEP's 310 CMR 7.07 (Air Pollution Control - Open Burning). The state burn season is January 15 - May 1; open burning is prohibited statewide outside that window. Within the season, the Saugus Fire Department issues daily permits, typically through an online portal or by phone. The permit holder must call to activate each day's burn (typical window 9 a.m. - noon, confirm locally), and all fires must be completely extinguished by 4 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier. The burn site must be at least 75 feet from any structure, attended by a competent adult, and equipped with a hose or fire extinguisher. Only brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris originating on the permit-holder's property may be burned; leaves, grass, hay, stumps, tires, trash, demolition or construction debris, treated lumber, and household refuse are prohibited under 310 CMR 7.07 and may not be burned anywhere in Massachusetts at any time. The Saugus Fire Department may halt permits on red-flag or high-wind days. Saugus is part of Essex County and within densely populated areas the Fire Chief retains discretion to deny permits where neighbors are within 75 feet.
Burning without an activated permit, outside the January 15 - May 1 window, or with prohibited materials violates 310 CMR 7.07 (MassDEP) and 527 CMR 1.00 (State Fire Code). MassDEP can assess civil penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation under M.G.L. c. 21A § 16, though typical municipal fines are $100-$1,000. The Saugus Fire Department may also revoke the permit, order immediate extinguishment, and recover suppression costs.
See how Saugus's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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