Why are there limits on open burning in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Framingham Fire Department limit open burning for public health and safety reasons. Open burning pollutes the air and can make it difficult for people with respiratory problems to breathe. When the air is stagnant, open burning can pose smoke and odor nuisances - and health risks - to nearby residents, particularly in densely populated areas. Open burning can also pose a safety risk when it is not adequately controlled. The limits on open burning do not apply to outdoor cooking.

What can be burned, when, and under what conditions?
You may burn, with limits: brush, cane, driftwood, forestry debris, tree prunings, dead raspberry stalks, blueberry patches and infected beehives.  You may not legally burn grass, hay, leaves, stumps or tires.

In Framingham and most of the state's towns and cities, homeowners are allowed to burn brush, cane, driftwood and forestry debris - not including grass, hay, leaves or stumps - between January 15 and May 1, so long as the open burning takes place:

·      With the permission of the local fire department;

·      Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.;

·      When the air is circulating well but winds are light;

·      No less than 75 feet away from all dwellings;

·      Supervised by an adult;

·      Have an accessible hose line close by; and

·      On your own property and as close as possible to the source of material(s) to be burned.

Be sure to get a permit from the Framingham Fire Department before burning anything.

·         Call Framingham Fire Burn Permit line at 508-532-5942;

·         Call on the day you wish to burn between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 noon;

·         You will be required to leave your full name, address and return phone number;

·         You must listen to all applicable rules;

·         An member of the Framingham Fire Department will ask if you understand the instructions;

·         All burning can only start between 10 a.m. and 12:00 noon.

·         All burning must be extinguished by 4 p.m.

Have a Happy and Safe New Year,

The Framingham Fire Department

 

~Dedicated to Excellence in Public Service~