Outdoor burning rules in Waltham, 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.
Open burning of brush in Waltham is allowed only January 15 through May 1 under 310 CMR 7.07 with a daily permit from the Fire Department. Burning household trash or leaves is prohibited year-round.
Massachusetts restricts open burning to the seasonal window of January 15 through May 1 under 310 CMR 7.07 administered by MassDEP. Within this window, Waltham residents may burn brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris ONLY with a daily burning permit issued by the Waltham Fire Department. Permits are typically issued between 9 AM and 4 PM when weather conditions allow (low wind, adequate humidity). Burning must occur at least 75 feet from any dwelling, be attended at all times, and be fully extinguished by 4 PM. Burning of leaves, grass, stumps, tires, construction material, demolition debris, and household trash is prohibited year-round throughout Massachusetts. In densely populated areas of Waltham, open burning may be further restricted or not permitted at all. Residents should call the Fire Department daily at 781-314-3600 to check burn status.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle outdoor burning.
See how Waltham's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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