Outdoor burning rules in Hampshire 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.
Open burning across Hampshire County is legal only January 15–May 1, and only with a permit from the local fire department under MGL c.48 §13. Each permit covers a maximum of two days.
MGL c.48 §13 bars any open-air fire without permission from the forest warden or fire chief, and every permit is limited to two days. Statewide, open burning of brush and forestry debris is allowed only from January 15 through May 1; outside that window it is prohibited in Northampton, Amherst, Ware, and the rest of Hampshire County. Burning of leaves, garbage, tires, and construction debris is never allowed. A 75-foot setback from dwellings applies under 310 CMR 7.07. Fire departments grant daily permits based on conditions and may revoke them at any time when winds rise or the ground dries out.
Burning without a permit, or outside the permitted season, is punished by a fine of up to $500 plus the cost of suppression, or imprisonment for up to one month.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Hampshire County's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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