Burn permits and fire pits in Belmont, Massachusetts
No. Belmont is one of 22 Massachusetts communities where open burning isn't allowed at all, so you can't burn brush, and outdoor fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces are also prohibited. Propane, charcoal and electric grills used for cooking are allowed.
| Brush/open burning | Not allowed in Belmont [1] |
| Fire pits, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces | Not allowed [3] |
| Cooking grills (propane, charcoal, electric) | Allowed [2] |
| Questions | Fire Prevention, 617-993-2210 [4] |
Open burning is banned
According to the Belmont Fire Department, Belmont is one of 22 communities in Massachusetts where open burning isn't allowed, because of the town's population density and closely spaced buildings [1]. The Fire Department notes that the state definition of open burning is broad and applies to anything with an open flame. That means there's no brush-burning season or burn permit available in Belmont, unlike many other Massachusetts towns.
Fire pits and chimineas
Outdoor fire pits, chimneys (chimineas), outdoor fireplaces, and other appliances designed mainly for heating aren't allowed [3]. The department's reasoning is that their primary purpose is not cooking, so they fall under the open-burning ban. It also warns that these items are illegal to use in Belmont even though stores and websites sell them without a disclaimer.
What you can do
The limits don't apply to outdoor cooking appliances, defined as grills powered by liquid propane, charcoal, or electricity [2]. For yard waste, use the town's yard waste collection rather than burning.
Source
This answer comes from the Belmont Fire Department's Open Burning page, which summarizes state law and local Fire Department policy, rather than from a local bylaw. The town's General Bylaws (hosted on eCode360) weren't available to us. For questions, call Fire Prevention [4].
See how Belmont compares with 8+ other Massachusetts towns on burn permits & backyard fires →
Next steps
- Don't burn brush or yard waste; use Belmont's yard waste pickup or a drop-off instead.
- Don't use a wood-burning fire pit, chiminea or outdoor fireplace; switch to a propane, charcoal or electric cooking grill.
- Call Belmont Fire Prevention at 617-993-2210 if you're unsure whether an appliance is allowed.
Common questions
- Can I burn brush in Belmont, Massachusetts?
- No. Belmont is one of 22 Massachusetts communities where open burning isn't allowed at all, so there is no brush-burning season or burn permit. Use the town's yard waste collection instead.
- Are fire pits allowed in Belmont, Massachusetts?
- No. Outdoor fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces are prohibited because their primary purpose isn't cooking.
- Can I use a grill in Belmont, Massachusetts?
- Yes. Propane, charcoal and electric grills used for cooking are allowed. Call Fire Prevention at 617-993-2210 if you're unsure about an appliance.
- Why is open burning banned in Belmont, Massachusetts?
- According to the Fire Department, it is because of the town's population density and closely spaced buildings.
Massachusetts open burning and fire pit rules
State regulations (MassDEP, 310 CMR 7.07) and M.G.L. c. 48, §13 control outdoor burning.
Open burning of brush (where allowed):
- Only January 15 to May 1, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- You need a permit from your local fire department in advance. Fire officials decide each day whether conditions allow burning and can cancel permits.
- Burn at least 75 feet from any dwelling, and only when air quality allows (MassDEP hotline 800-882-1497).
- Allowed: brush, cane, driftwood and residential forestry debris, plus some agricultural materials.
- Not allowed: leaves, grass, hay, stumps, tires, construction debris or household trash.
- Banned at all times in 22 communities, including Belmont, Brookline and Newton. The others are Arlington, Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Malden, Medford, New Bedford, Somerville, Springfield, Waltham, Watertown, West Springfield and Worcester.
Fire pits and outdoor cooking: cooking fires are allowed year-round everywhere and aren't covered by open-burning limits. They must be a reasonable size, kept away from combustibles, in a non-flammable enclosure, and tended by someone 18 or older. A fire pit used for anything other than cooking falls under the open-burning rules. Towns may further regulate or ban fire pits and chimineas.
Burning illegally, or letting a fire get out of control, can make you liable for firefighting costs, fines or jail time.
What the bylaw says
- Fire Department, Open Burning, Fire Department - Open Burning (prohibited; fire pits not allowed)
Belmont is 1 of 22 communities in Massachusetts where open burning is not allowed. This is due to the density of the population and the close proximity of buildings.
- Fire Department, Open Burning, Fire Department - Open Burning (prohibited; fire pits not allowed)
Limits on open burning do not apply to outdoor cooking appliances, which are defined as grills powered by liquid propane, charcoal, or electricity.
- Fire Department, Open Burning, Fire Department - Open Burning (prohibited; fire pits not allowed)
Outdoor fire pits, chimneys, outdoor fireplaces, and other appliances designed with the primary purpose of heating are not allowed because they may present a hazard in this densely populated community.
- Fire Department, Open Burning, Fire Department - Open Burning (prohibited; fire pits not allowed)
If you have further questions, please feel free to call Fire Prevention at 617-993-2210.