Outdoor burning rules in Middlesex 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 in Middlesex County is permitted ONLY January 15 through May 1 each year under 310 CMR 7.07, and only with a permit from the local fire department. All consumer fireworks remain banned statewide.
Open burning in Massachusetts is tightly regulated by 310 CMR 7.07 and is allowed ONLY between January 15 and May 1 annually. Before starting any outdoor burn in Middlesex County, you must obtain a permit from your local fire department, typically online through the Mass.gov permit system. Permits require: open areas at least 75 feet from any dwelling, burning between 10am and 4pm only, no burning on Code Red air quality days, and an adult in attendance with water available. Allowed materials: brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris. Prohibited materials: leaves, grass, stumps, tires, construction debris, and any demolition waste. Recreational campfires in contained rings (under 3 feet diameter) are treated differently and most Middlesex fire departments allow them year-round with permit. All consumer fireworks are ILLEGAL statewide under MGL c.148 s.39 with no exceptions. Penalties up to 100 dollars for fireworks possession.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Middlesex County's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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