← Massachusetts burn ban rules›Open Burning Rules
Massachusetts Open Burning Rules (2026)
Conditional: Open burning of brush/forestry/agricultural debris is allowed only during the defined season Jan 15-May 1, 10am-4pm, with a permit from your LOCAL fire department, 75ft from dwellings, on days MassDEP rules air quality acceptable.
Open burning of brush/forestry/agricultural debris is allowed only during the defined season Jan 15-May 1, 10am-4pm, with a permit from your LOCAL fire department, 75ft from dwellings, on days MassDEP rules air quality acceptable. Banned year-round in 22 cities/towns.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Burning Rules in states bordering Massachusetts
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- ConnecticutRestricted
Open burning of brush (shrubs/prunings ≤3 in.) requires a valid signed permit from your local Open Burning Official. Prohibited when the Forest Fire Danger Index is High, Very High, or Extreme, or when AQI is forecast 100+.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: portal.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
- New HampshireRestricted
A written fire permit from the town/city Forest Fire Warden is required for any open burning, EXCEPT when the ground within 100 ft of the fire is completely covered in snow. Only untreated wood, brush or charcoal (≤5 in dia.) may be burned; no demolition/treated materials.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: nhdfl.dncr.nh.gov · Full New Hampshire rule →
- New YorkRestricted
Burning trash/leaves is illegal year-round. Brush burning is banned statewide each year March 16-May 14. Outside that window, on-site brush burning is allowed only in towns under 20,000 residents (permit required in Adirondack/Catskill 'fire towns').
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dec.ny.gov · Full New York rule →
- Rhode IslandRestricted
All open-air fires require a written permit year-round (issued locally by the fire department), even in rain or snow. Burning of non-agricultural material requires director approval that no practical disposal alternative exists.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: rules.sos.ri.gov · Full Rhode Island rule →
- VermontRestricted
Open burning in every Vermont town requires a Permit to Kindle Fire from the local Town Forest Fire Warden (10 V.S.A. 2645), issued only when fuel and weather conditions are safe. Only natural materials like limbs and branches may be burned — never trash, plastics, or treated wood.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: fpr.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →
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