With open burning season set to start Thursday, Massachusetts state fire and environmental leaders are urging residents who burn certain agricultural waste to use caution, care, and common sense, the Department of Fire Services said Wednesday.
The season runs from Jan. 15 to May 1 and allows residents with permits to burn agricultural waste such as brush, cane, driftwood, infected bee hives, and trees and bushes from agricultural land clearing.
But open burning is not allowed everywhere. It is banned year round in Boston, Springfield and Worcester.
Other densely populated cities also prohibit it: Arlington, Belmont, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Malden, Medford, New Bedford, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Watertown, and West Springfield,
In communities where it is allowed, open burning may only be conducted with a permit issued in advance by the local fire department; between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; at least 75 feet away from all dwellings and without causing a nuisance; as close as possible to the source of material being burned; and when it will not cause air pollution.
“Improper open burning creates safety risks and can harm air quality,” Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bonnie Heiple said. “Only burning approved natural materials — like driftwood and prunings — and burning on ‘good air days,’ when pollution levels are low and air circulates well, ensures these fires can be managed safely.”
Local fire departments may also deny residents a permit or set additional limitations on open burning, the statement said.
People who burn unlawfully or allow a fire to grow out of control could be held liable for firefighting costs, face fines, or receive jail time, officials said.
According to officials, it is unlawful to burn any leaves, grass, hay, stumps, tires, household trash, construction materials, demolition debris, or brush, trees, cane, or driftwood from commercial or industrial land clearing.
For resident’s safety, the Department of Fire Services said an adult should tend to the fire at all times and keep tools to extinguish it close by; burn small amounts at a time; never use gasoline, kerosene, or other accelerants to start the fire; put the fire out if winds pick up or the weather changes; and call the local fire department if the fire gets out of control.
“Massachusetts residents have seen just how quickly outdoor fires can grow out of control,” Department of Conservation & Recreation Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino said. “We encourage everyone to exercise caution - don’t risk a fire that puts you, your home, or your community at risk.”
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