Use caution during Open Burning Season

By Dean Kochanowski
Dudley Fire Chief

Now that open burning is in full swing, there a few things that local citizens need to be aware of, especially this season, due to the lack of snow and unusually warm temperatures. Open Burning runs from January 15^th to May 1^st every year, and every year we see an increase in permits issued. It has become a popular way of getting rid of unwanted brush and natural debris. It is easy and cleanup is minimal and by the time you are done just a little pile of ash remains.

There are some things that all citizens need to keep in mind when burning. Open burning can only be conducted on land proximate to the place of generation. In other words, your neighbor across the street cannot drag his brush into your yard and burn off your permit. Burning must take place 75 feet from any dwelling. Burning can only be conducted between the hours of 10 a.m. And 4 p.m. It must be conducted only during periods of good atmospheric ventilation.

Rainy days are not good days to burn because the smoke remains low and becomes a nuisance to neighbors and could negatively affect persons with breathing disorders.

All persons wishing to burn must obtain a permit from the local fire department before attempting to burn. Persons wishing to burn must call in to the fire department prior to 10 a.m. to see if burning is allowed that day and to notify the department that they will be burning that day. Heads of fire departments (Fire Chief) have the statutory authority to grant open burning permits under Mass. General Law. The Mass. Department of Environmental Protection is the regulating authority and the Fire Chief is the enforcement authority. Failure to abide by these rules can result in fines.

Dry and warm weather has plagued the area this season. Persons are urged to take extra precautions this year. Keep your burn piles extremely small and manageable. Always keep a hose close by to wet down the surrounding area. Never leave a fire unattended, and if you feel your fire has grown out of control, immediately call the fire department. Do not try to put an out-of- control fire out by yourself. You risk injury and property damage. Remember to always call the fire department prior to burning. With the unusually dry weather there are going to be a lot of days coming up that burning will not be allowed. Stay safe and if you follow the law you should have a hassle free and successful brush burning season. Should you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .