2010 Boxford Burning Season
The following describe rules and regulations for the 2010 Season
Open Burning Season Starts January 15th and Ends May 1st
This is Massachusetts law and the town must adhere to it
Permit Required
A permit must be obtained from the Fire Department or from the Police Department. The east fire station (non emergency number - 978-887-5725) is staffed Monday through Friday 8am - 4pm. The police department (non emergency number - 978-887-8136) is open 24 hours per day.
Due to weather conditions changing constantly, the Fire Chief will determine on a day to day basis if open burning is safe to conduct. Therefore, you must call everyday that you are going to be burning to "activate" your permit. This is required to prevent false alarms drawing a large scale response from the fire department. If weather conditions change making it unsafe to burn, permits for that day can be rescinded.
Open Burning must be a minimum of 75 feet from all buildings and must be conducted between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Burning must also take place on the land closest to the source 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:
- Brush, Cane, Driftwood, and forestry debris from other than commercial or industrial land clearing operations
- 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.
- Trees and brush resulting from agricultural land clearing.
- Fungus infected elm wood, if no other acceptable means of disposal is available
Burning of the following materials is prohibited statewide:
- Brush, Trees, cane and driftwood from commercial and/or industrial land clearing operations.
- Grass, hay, leaves and stumps, and tires.
- 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.
Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start a fire because the risk of personal injury is high.
Burn one small pile at a time and slowly add to it. This will help keep the fire from getting out of control.
Select a location away from any utility lines.
Fire Must Be Attended Until Extinguished
While the fire is burning, and adult must attend the fire until it is completely extinguished
Have Fire Control Tools On Hand
Have fire extinguishment materials on hand including a water supply, shovels, and rakes.
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 the water is still shut-off at the house faucet or that the hose is cracked when you need it most.
Watch the Wind: Be Prepared to Extinguish All Open Burning
Be prepared to extinguish your fire if the winds pick up or weather changes. Use common sense and don't wait for the fire department to contact you that it has become unsafe to burn. Sudden wind change is how most open burning gets out of control.
Don't Delay a Call For Help
If for some reason, the fire should get out of control, call the fire department immediately
Use the utmost caution to prevent injury to yourself or family members or any damage by fire to your home
People conducting illegal burning, or who allow fire to get out of control may be held liable for costs of extinguishing the fire, fined or even imprisoned (MGL C48 S13 - click to review the law)
April is the Cruelest Month
April 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 material.
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