Is open fire allowed out of the season in some cases aside from cooking?

Submitted by squirrelacronparty t3_10xgf1i in massachusetts

Looked up Massachusetts regulations on open fire since we have a TON of buckthorns to burn engulfing our backyard that had been neglected by previous owners for a decade or more(even today we filled our huge wheelbarrow with brushes and then a lot more).

It says it needs a permit from a local fire department and is only permitted from Jan 1st~May 1st.

But I definitely have seen a couple of our neighbors enjoying an outdoor fire pit last fall. And I don't think they were cooking at all.

Does making S'mores count as cooking? Lol... Not that I have seen my neighbors roasting any marshmallows over the fire pits, but I was wondering if it's strictly enforced or are there any exceptions?

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frankybling t1_j7sfvwp wrote

if you put a cooking grate over the top and keep a pack of hot dogs nearby?

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AlligatorSquash t1_j7smqd6 wrote

The cooking fire exception only applies to a "reasonable" fire how its written.

It sounds like OP wants to burn a bit larger fire than that.

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frankybling t1_j7soy4s wrote

I probably should have put a /s after my comment… the rules are basically there to prevent people from burning their neighborhoods to the ground or worse.

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AlligatorSquash t1_j7spfhe wrote

I also could have taken you too literally…

I’ve taken advantage of that exception more than once to have small fire.

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snerdaferda t1_j7w3rl0 wrote

Keep your fire reasonably small and yeah you’re good- used to work for an FD.

I once went to a call for a brush fire and the guy had about a 6ft pile of brush and a couple of car seats on top. Said it was for cooking. That’s not gonna fly.

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Zealousideal_Lie_383 t1_j7s7f8r wrote

Suggest asking your local fire chief to be certain.

In my central mass rural town, a permit is needed for the Jan-May burning of yard waste.

It’s permissible to use an outdoor firepit provided it is certain distance from structures and weather permits.

Certain commercially available enclosed firepits are allowed to be used closer to the house (even on a deck)

I once asked chief if it’s permissible to have a small bonfire without a permit. He reluctantly said “yes, but best to tell us since we’ll then know to ignore the 1/2 dozen calls we’re going to get from your annoyed neighbors”

But even with all proper permits, if you’re careless (or even if careful and nature intervenes) and cause any destruction with your fire you’ll be held responsible and have to pay the damages as well as cost of the fire dept services.

Your homeowners insurance won’t help you out if your non-permitted bonfire destroys your home.

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mikemerriman t1_j7smo8s wrote

Stop narcing your neighbors fire pit

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oceansofmyancestors t1_j7sxq4a wrote

Yeah you can, but you can also just get a permit, it’s very cheap and easy. Wtf

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lifehackloser t1_j7tvcb6 wrote

Probably depends where you are. My super small rural town doesn’t really care. Had the police officer/vol. fire fighter tell us that if we are burning brush out of season and there’s a complaint, they’ll come and tell us to put it out; if they have to come back and put it out themselves, then you’re in trouble. But no one complains out here so *shrug *

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Dreadedtrash t1_j7u7j9x wrote

Just dig a hole and call it a firepit. I burn branches/sticks when they fall in my yard year round, as long as its in a firepit it doesn't matter.

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sarah_messing t1_j7siiiz wrote

Bring a cooler or lunch box with a pack of hot dogs outside and keep it next to the fire in case anyone comes asking. An age old trick for bon fires in MA

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wormtowny t1_j7u77iz wrote

Need to check local regs. Most larger MA cities/towns have a full ban on burning yard waste at all times for both safety but mostly air quality concerns. The definition of a cooking fire in these towns is very narrow for this exact reason. But those cities, such as Worcester, have yard waste drop off sites.

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PatriotDynasty t1_j7ucip1 wrote

Are your garden hoses connected? If that fire gets out of hand, you may need a plan to put it out.

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PakkyT t1_j7uzu5i wrote

Source: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/open-burning-safety

"Outdoor cooking is allowed year-round in all communities and is not subject to open burning limits."

and

"Fire pits have become popular in recent years. But unless they are being used for cooking, they are subject to the MassDEP open burning regulation. If you do use a fire pit for cooking, the fire must be:
Kept to a reasonable size
Located away from combustible materials
Contained in a non-flammable enclosure, and
Tended by someone who is 18 years of age or older. "

and

"Some cities and towns regulate, limit or prohibit the use of chimineas, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces. To find out if your community has specific requirements, contact your local fire department."

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Tacoman404 t1_j7xhw4c wrote

Local municipalities have more rules on outdoor fires than the state does. Check with yours.

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ncgbulldog1980 t1_j7ua49i wrote

Call your FD, Cities like Springfield open fires are not allowed at all. I'm that asshole that calls the cops on my neighbors as I don't want their smoke in my drafty house

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