Burn permits and fire pits in Cambridge, Massachusetts
No. In an August 2024 notice, the Cambridge Fire Department says open burning is prohibited in Cambridge, including fire pits, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces and burning yard waste, brush or trash. MassDEP also bans outdoor burning in Cambridge year-round, so there is no burn-permit season here.
| Open burning | Prohibited [1] |
| Fire pits, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces | Prohibited [2] |
| Brush, yard waste and trash burning | Prohibited [2] |
| State ban | MassDEP prohibits outside burning in Cambridge [3] |
What the Fire Department says
In an August 2024 notice, the Cambridge Fire Department reminded residents that open burning is prohibited in Cambridge [1]. The ban explicitly covers fire pits, chimineas, outside fireplaces, and burning yard waste, brush and trash [2]. The department says this is a fire safety measure for the city's closely built-up neighborhoods.
State ban
The notice also points out that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection prohibits outside burning in Cambridge and surrounding "urbanized areas" to reduce air pollution [3]. Because of that state ban, the seasonal brush-burning permits available in some Massachusetts towns don't apply in Cambridge (see the state rules section).
Cooking fires
The Fire Department notice doesn't mention grills or cooking fires. State rules treat cooking fires separately from open burning (see the state rules section), but a fire pit used for a recreational fire falls under the ban. If you're unsure whether a particular outdoor cooking device is allowed, ask the Fire Prevention office.
Reporting
To report a fire or other emergency, call 911 right away.
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Next steps
- Don't burn brush, leaves or trash, and don't use a backyard fire pit, chiminea or outdoor fireplace; ask the city about other ways to dispose of yard waste.
- For questions about outdoor cooking devices or other fire permits, call the Cambridge Fire Department office at 617-349-4900 (491 Broadway) and ask for Fire Prevention.
- Report an unattended or illegal fire by calling 911.
Common questions
- Can I have a fire pit in Cambridge, MA?
- No. The Cambridge Fire Department says open burning is prohibited in Cambridge, explicitly including fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces.
- Can I get a burn permit in Cambridge, Massachusetts?
- No. MassDEP bans outdoor burning in Cambridge year-round, so there is no burn-permit season, and the Fire Department prohibits burning yard waste, brush and trash.
- Are grills and cooking fires allowed in Cambridge, MA?
- It isn't addressed locally. The Fire Department notice doesn't mention grills; state rules treat cooking fires separately, but a recreational fire pit falls under the ban. Ask the Fire Prevention office about a specific device.
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
- CFD notice, Outside Burning in Cambridge is Prohibited (8/29/2024), Cambridge Fire Department - Outside Burning in Cambridge is Prohibited (2024-08-29)
With the end of summer approaching, and with cooler nights and earlier sunsets, remember that OPEN BURNING IS PROHIBITED in Cambridge.
- CFD notice, Outside Burning in Cambridge is Prohibited (8/29/2024), Cambridge Fire Department - Outside Burning in Cambridge is Prohibited (2024-08-29)
This includes FIRE PITS, chimineas, outside fireplaces & burning of yard waste, brush, & trash.
- CFD notice, Outside Burning in Cambridge is Prohibited (8/29/2024), Cambridge Fire Department - Outside Burning in Cambridge is Prohibited (2024-08-29)
Additionally the MA Department of Environmental Protection prohibits outside burning in the city, as well as surrounding "urbanized areas" in order to reduce air pollution.