How Do I Get A Permit for Open Burning Season?

The Massachusetts open burning season begins Jan. 15 and continues until May 1, and the Weston Fire Department is currently issuing permits.

There is no cost to obtain an open burning permit, but residents must obtain one annually in order to legally burn.

Residents should print the permit application (available as a PDF with this article), complete it and bring it to the Weston Fire Department.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regulates open burning and it is enforced by local fire departments. Burning is regulated through a two-step process that involves residents applying for and obtaining a permit annually and then applying for approval to burn each day they wish to exercise the permit. As weather permits, burning will be permitted from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.

Atmospheric conditions determine whether burning will be allowed on any given day, and Weston Fire Chief David Soar reserves the right to deny open burning on any day due to environmental conditions.

Each day a person wishes to burn, the applicant must contact the Weston Fire Department at (781) 786-6101. They will be told whether weather conditions are favorable for open burning and their permit number will be recorded when they call.

Weston's full open burning regulations are below:

1. The Open Burning Season runs from January 15 through May 1 .

2. Burning Hours are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

3. Brush and forestry debris only. No leaves, grass, or building materials.

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

5. Burn at least 75 feet from the nearest dwelling.

6. You must have a means of controlling the fire close by.

7. Flammable liquids of any kind are prohibited at any time.

8. Fire must be attended at all times.

9. If it gets windy, extinguish the fire immediately.