Bristol County, MA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Bristol County, 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
- Most Towns
- Jan 15–May 1 with free permit
- Fall River/New Bedford
- Permanently banned
- Authority
- MassDEP 310 CMR 7.07
- Temporary Bans
- Possible during drought/wildfire risk
Summary
Most Bristol County towns allow open burning from January 15 to May 1 with a free fire department permit under 310 CMR 7.07. However, Fall River and New Bedford are on the MassDEP list of communities where open burning is permanently banned due to population density.
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; provided, that if such permission is not in writing, a written record of the granting thereof, setting forth the date upon which permission was granted, the dates covered by such permission, the name and address of the person to whom, and the manner in which, such permission was granted, and any other necessary information relative thereto, shall be made and kept by the forest warden, chief or fire commissioner, as the case may be, and shall be open to public inspectio
Full Breakdown
Open burning in Bristol County varies by municipality. Most towns allow seasonal burning (Jan 15-May 1) with a free permit from the local fire department. However, Fall River and New Bedford have permanent year-round open burning bans designated by MassDEP. Allowed materials include brush, cane, and forestry debris. Prohibited materials include grass, leaves, construction debris, and trash. Local fire departments may impose temporary bans during drought or high wildfire risk.
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 Bristol County?
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Bristol County?
Sources & Official References
- [1]Source
Other rules in Bristol County
How Bristol County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Bristol County to another location·View the Massachusetts fire regulations overview
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