Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 30, 2026 State Offi cials Issue Annual Reminder on Open Burning Season Fire Safety, Environmental Health, and injury Prevention are Top Concerns S TOW—Massachusetts’ fi re and environmental leaders are reminding residents to use caution, care, and common sense if they plan to burn certain agricultural waste during open burning season, which runs from January 15 to May 1. State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, Commissioner Bonnie Heiple of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), and Chief Fire Warden David Celino of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) said restrictions on open burning are imposed at the state and local levels. “Open burning season applies only to specific types of fuel and is always limited based on the daily fi re hazard, environmental concerns, and location,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Even where burning is authorized, you must have a permit from your local fi re department and you must be able to extinguish the fi re on a moment’s notice. Please make safety your priority when burning.” “Improper open burning creates safety risks and can harm air quality,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “Only burning approved natural materials — Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net like driftwood and prunings — and burning on ‘good air days,’ when pollution levels are low and air circulates well, ensures these fi res can be managed safely.” “Massachusetts residents have seen just how quickly outdoor fi res can grow out of control,” said DCR Chief Fire Warden Celino. “We encourage everyone to exercise caution - don’t risk a fi re that puts you, your home, or your community at risk. Burn only approved materials, always get a permit from your local fi re department, and ensure that any fi re is extinguished properly and completely.” These restrictions are authorized by 310 CMR 7.07, which sets baseline requirements based on air quality and allows for “no burn” days; MGL chapter 48, section 13, which prohibits any open air fi re unless a permit is issued; and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, which gives local fi re chiefs the authority to impose additional limits. Open burning is prohibited year-round in the cities and towns of Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Malden, Medford, New Bedford, Newton, Somerville, Springfi eld, Waltham, Watertown, West Springfi eld, and Worcester. In the remaining communities, open burning season runs from January 15 through May 1 with the following limitations. Local fire departments may deny a permit or set additional limitations if circumstances make open burning hazardous. Only certain agricultural waste may be burned. This includes 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. It is unlawful 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. Open burning may only be conducted: • With a permit issued in advance by the local fi re department; • Between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; • At least 75 feet 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 or contribute to a condition of air pollution. Persons who burn unlawfully or allow a fi re to grow out of control could be held liable for fi refi ghting costs or face fi nes or even jail time. Open Burning Safety • An adult should tend to the fi re 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 fi re. • Don’t wait for the fi re department to tell you that it has become unsafe to burn: put the fi re out if winds pick up or the weather changes. Most fi res get out of control during sudden wind changes. • If the fi re gets out of control, call the local fi re department right away. YOUR LOCAL NEWS & SPORTS IN SIX LANGUAGES. SUBSCRIBE TO THE ADVOCATE ONLINE BY SCANNING HERE!
5 Publizr Home