Open Burning 2009 ! Town of Billerica, MA
Burning permits are issued daily. You must contact the Fire Department to obtain a burn permit for the day you wish to burn outdoors. Call 978 671 0940. Burning hours are 10AM-4PM.
Open burning season is from January 15th to April 30th each year in communities where it is allowed. Check with your local fire warden or fire chief. A permit is required and must be obtained from the local fire warden.
Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in the spring and fire wardens will determine on a daily basis when it is safe to conduct open burning. If winds kick up or other atmospheric conditions change suddenly, making it unsafe to burn, permits can be rescinded.
The open burning must be a minimum of 75 feet from all buildings and must be conducted between the hours of 10AM and 4PM and must take place on the land closest to the source of material to be burned, according to Department of Environmental Protection regulations (310 CMR DEP 7.07).
April is the cruelest month and is usually the worst month for brush fires. When the snow pack recedes, before new growth emerges, last year’s dead grass, leaves and wood are dangerous tinder. Winds also tend to be stronger and more unpredictable during April.
Prevent wildfires by burning during wet snowy conditions. Prevent permit fires from becoming wild-land fires by burning early in the season. Wet and snowy winter conditions, hinder the rapid spread of fire on or under the ground. Weather conditions and increased fire danger may lead to many days when burning cannot be allowed to take place.
Alternatives to Open Burning – Open burning releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, other gases, and solid substances directly into the air, which can contribute to respiratory problems. Disposal of natural materials is never as good for the environment as using them again in a different form. Tree limbs, brush and other forestry debris can be chipped or composted into landscaping materials. Check with your local public works or highway department; many have chippers at their municipal recycling center or transfer stations, and will process debris from homeowners.
Open burning season is from January 15th to April 30th each year in communities where it is allowed. Check with your local fire warden or fire chief. A permit is required and must be obtained from the local fire warden.
Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in the spring and fire wardens will determine on a daily basis when it is safe to conduct open burning. If winds kick up or other atmospheric conditions change suddenly, making it unsafe to burn, permits can be rescinded.
The open burning must be a minimum of 75 feet from all buildings and must be conducted between the hours of 10AM and 4PM and must take place on the land closest to the source of material to be burned, according to Department of Environmental Protection regulations (310 CMR DEP 7.07).
Burning with a permit for the following materials is allowed:
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Brush, cane, driftwood and forestry debris from other then commercial or industrial land clearing operations.
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Materials normally associated with the pursuit of agriculture such as fruit tree pruning, dead raspberry stalks, blueberry patches for pruning purposes, and infected bee hives for disease control.
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Trees and brush resulting from agricultural land clearing.
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Fungus infected elm wood, if no other acceptable means of disposal is available.
Burning of the following materials is prohibited statewide:
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Brush, trees, cane and driftwood from commercial and/or industrial land clearing operations
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Grass, hay, leaves, stumps and tires.
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Construction material and debris.
How to safely ignite the fire:
An adult should always be present during open burning and children and pets should be kept a safe distance away. Use paper and kindling to start the fire and add progressively larger pieces of wood. Parts of a leftover Christmas tree may also be used.Safety tips for Open Burning Season:
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Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start a fire because the risk of personal injury is high.
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Burn one small pile at a time and slow add to it. This will help keep the fire from getting out of control.
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Select a location away from any utility lines
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Fire must be attended until extinguished.
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Have fire control tools on hand.
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Have fire extinguishment materials on hand including a water supply, shovels and rakes.
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The water supply could be a pressurized water fire extinguisher, a pump can or garden hose, and be sure to test it out before igniting the fire. You do not want to find out that the water is still shut-off at the house faucet or that the hose is cracked when you need it most.
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Watch the wind – be prepared to extinguish all open burning if the winds pick up or weather changes.
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Use common sense and don’t wait for the fire department to contact you to tell you that it has become unsafe to burn. Sudden wind change is how most open burning gets out of control.
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Don’t delay a call for help – if for some reason the fire should get out of control, call the fire department immediately. Us the utmost caution to prevent injury to yourself or family members or any damage by fire to your home
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People conducting illegal burning, or who allow a fire to get out of control, may be held liable for costs of extinguishing the fire, fined and even imprisoned (MGL C48 S13).
Prevent wildfires by burning during wet snowy conditions. Prevent permit fires from becoming wild-land fires by burning early in the season. Wet and snowy winter conditions, hinder the rapid spread of fire on or under the ground. Weather conditions and increased fire danger may lead to many days when burning cannot be allowed to take place.
Alternatives to Open Burning – Open burning releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, other gases, and solid substances directly into the air, which can contribute to respiratory problems. Disposal of natural materials is never as good for the environment as using them again in a different form. Tree limbs, brush and other forestry debris can be chipped or composted into landscaping materials. Check with your local public works or highway department; many have chippers at their municipal recycling center or transfer stations, and will process debris from homeowners.
