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.
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.
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.
Fines starting at $100 per violation. Fire department may extinguish burn immediately. DEP enforcement possible for repeat violations.
Worcester, MA
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Worcester, MA
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Worcester, MA
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Worcester, MA
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Worcester, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Worcester County.
See how other cities in Worcester County handle outdoor burning.
See how Worcester's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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