What You Can And Can't Burn Outdoors In Massachusetts

The Adams Forest Warden Department has extended the ban on outdoor fires until Saturday, July 18. This includes all recreational, cooking, and agricultural burning. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the department.

After the Fire Risk is removed, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with these laws and safety regulations, as suggested by Mass.gov.

Here's the list of what you can and cannot burn, but I admit I've broken some of these rules before. Please don't tell the Fire Marshal. 😂

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Friends by bonfire on beach in Palawan, Philippines. — Getty Images

Understanding Fire Regulations in Massachusetts

You are allowed to burn:
Brush, cane, driftwood and forestry debris (but not from commercial or industrial land clearing)
Agricultural materials including fruit tree and bush pruning's, raspberry stalks, and infected beehives for disease control.
Trees and brush from agricultural land clearing
Fungus-infected elm wood, if no other acceptable means of disposal is available.
You may not burn:
Leaves
Brush, trees, cane or driftwood from commercial or industrial land clearing
Grass, hay, leaves, stumps or tires
Construction materials or demolition debris
Household trash - Mass.gov

Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada — Getty Images/Design Pics RF

What About Small Fire Pits?

If you want to have a small fire pit and roast marshmallows, you can, provided it's reasonably sized and an adult ages 18 or older supervises. Keep in mind that some cities and towns have rules, restrictions, or bans on chimineas, fire pits, and outdoor fireplaces. To check your community's specific regulations, contact your local fire department.

NOTE: Lighting a bonfire is illegal in these Massachusetts towns and cities.

It's Illegal to Spark a Bonfire in These 22 Massachusetts Communities

There's nothing better than lighting up a nice bonfire on a warm summer night. But depending on where you live in Massachusetts, it actually could be illegal to do just that. Naturally, there are exceptions to every rule, and bonfires being used for outdoor cooking are allowed, but exceptions aside, 22 cities and towns across the Bay State have prohibited open burning year-round because they're just too densely-built and populated for burning to be considered safe. Is your community on the list?

Gallery Credit: Kari Jakobsen

Although wildfires are infrequent in the Bay State, these safety tips are useful to keep in mind:

10 Tips To Prevent Wildfires

Smokey The Bear said it best, "only you can prevent wildfires." Well, it's a lot easier said than done, Smokey. Great name for a bear trying to warn us about fire hazards, by the way.

In order to prevent wildfires, you have to first know how they can be prevented. Here are 10 tips provided by the Department Of Interior that will help you in your every day life, so you can enjoy being outside, camping, and having bonfires without it turning into a problem.

Here are their 10 tips, along with some simplified explanations from me.

Gallery Credit: Cort Freeman