Worcester, MA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Worcester, 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
- Open Burning
- Completely prohibited
- Regulation
- 310 CMR 7.07(3)(e)
- Year-Round
- No seasonal exceptions
- Enforcement
- Fire Dept + Mass DEP
Summary
Open burning is completely prohibited in Worcester under Massachusetts air pollution regulations (310 CMR 7.07). Worcester is one of 22 urbanized Massachusetts municipalities where no outdoor burning is allowed year-round.
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
Worcester is listed among 22 urbanized municipalities in Massachusetts where open burning is completely prohibited under 310 CMR 7.07(3)(e). Unlike many other Massachusetts towns that may allow open burning with a permit during January 15 through May 1, Worcester has a year-round total ban on open burning. This means no burning of brush, leaves, yard waste, or any other material outdoors is permitted at any time. The Worcester Fire Department enforces this regulation. Violations are reported to both the fire department and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Yard waste must be disposed of through the city's composting or waste collection programs.
Violations & Fines
Fines starting at $100 per violation. Fire department may extinguish burn immediately. DEP enforcement possible for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves or brush in Worcester?
Why is Worcester different from other Massachusetts towns for burning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Worcester
How Worcester compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Worcester to another location·View the Massachusetts fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle outdoor burning.