Officials Urge Caution in Area Communities Where Open Burning is Allowed Through May 1

Fire destroys two-car garage with possible living quarters above at 43 Lake St., Haverhill. (Courtesy photograph.)

While open burning season began last week in area communities, state officials are urging caution after, what they called, an unprecedented fall fire season in Massachusetts and as wildfires rage in California.

State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bonnie Heiple and Chief Fire Warden David Celino of the Department of Conservation and Recreation said residents should follow restrictions on open burning that are imposed at the state and local levels.

“Even where burning is authorized, a permit from your local fire department is always required in advance and it’s your responsibility to be able to extinguish the fire on a moment’s notice. For two years in a row, Massachusetts residents have lost their lives when they couldn’t contain their fires. Please make safety your priority when burning,” Davine said in a release.

In the area, only Lawrence and Lowell prohibit open burning year-round. Otherwise, open burning season runs through May 1, only between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., provided burning takes place at least 75 feet from homes and without causing a nuisance, as close as possible to the source of material being burned and when it will not cause or contribute to air pollution.

Local fire departments still may deny a permit or set additional limitations if circumstances make open burning hazardous. It is against the law to burn leaves, grass, hay, stumps, tires, household trash, construction materials, demolition debris, or brush, trees, cane or driftwood from commercial or industrial land clearing.

“This fall, residents across Massachusetts saw just how quickly outdoor fires can grow out of control,” said Celino. “Right now, California is facing an even worse crisis with devastating fires consuming entire neighborhoods. Please don’t risk a fire that puts you, your home, or your community at risk. Burn only approved materials and always get a permit from your local fire department first.”

Heiple added, “The governing laws and regulations are in place to reduce air pollution, property damage and personal injury. If open burning is allowed in your community, please follow the local and state guidance to keep yourself, your neighbors and our environment safe.”

Only certain agricultural waste may be burned, including brush, cane, driftwood, residential forestry debris, fruit tree and bush prunings, raspberry stalks, infected bee hives, trees and brush from agricultural land clearing and fungus-infected elm wood if no other acceptable means of disposal is available.

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