Burn permits and fire pits in Chatham, Massachusetts
Brush burning is allowed in Chatham only with a $5 written Fire Department permit, during the January 15 to May 1 season, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and at least 75 feet from all buildings. You must call each day to see if burning is allowed. We found no Chatham-specific rule on fire pits; state rules apply.
| Permit | Written permit from Chatham Fire Rescue [1] |
| Permit fee | $5, valid for the season [2] |
| Burning season | January 15 to May 1 [3] |
| Distance from buildings | At least 75 ft [4] |
| Hours | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. [5] |
| Prohibited materials | Grass, hay, leaves, stumps, tires and construction debris (statewide ban) [6] |
Getting a burn permit
Chatham Fire Rescue's open burning flyer says a written permit must be obtained from the Fire Department [1]. The permit costs $5 and is good for the whole burning season [2]. The town also takes applications online. Holding a permit isn't enough by itself: you must call the Fire Department each day to find out whether burning is allowed that day. Fire officers decide daily based on weather, and permits can be rescinded if conditions change.
When and where
- Season: January 15 to May 1 each year, which may change with weather and fire danger [3].
- Distance: at least 75 feet from all buildings [4], and away from utility lines.
- Hours: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. [5].
- An adult must attend the fire until it's out, with a garden hose, shovels and rakes on hand. Burn one small pile at a time and never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start it.
What you can and can't burn
With a permit you may burn brush, cane, driftwood and forestry debris (not from commercial land clearing), plus some agricultural material such as fruit-tree prunings. Burning grass, hay, leaves, stumps and tires is prohibited statewide [6], as is construction material and debris. People who burn illegally or let a fire escape can be held liable for the cost of putting it out, fined or even jailed.
Fire pits and recreational fires
The Chatham sources we reviewed don't specifically regulate backyard fire pits or chimineas. State rules for cooking fires and recreational fires apply (see below). Ask Chatham Fire Rescue (508-945-2324) before using a fire pit for anything other than cooking.
Alternatives
The Fire Department encourages chipping or composting brush instead of burning it.
See how Chatham compares with 8+ other Massachusetts towns on burn permits & backyard fires →
Next steps
- Apply for a burn permit from Chatham Fire Rescue (online or at 135 Depot Road); the fee is $5 for the season.
- On the day you plan to burn, call the Fire Department (508-945-2324) to confirm burning is allowed.
- Burn only brush and similar natural material, at least 75 feet from buildings, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with a hose and tools on hand.
- For a fire pit, check with Chatham Fire Rescue on current rules.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Chatham, Massachusetts?
- Yes. You need a written permit from Chatham Fire Rescue, which costs $5 and is good for the season. You must also call the Fire Department each day to find out whether burning is allowed.
- When can I burn brush in Chatham, Massachusetts?
- During the January 15 to May 1 season, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and at least 75 feet from all buildings. The season may change with weather and fire danger.
- Can I burn leaves in Chatham, Massachusetts?
- No. Burning grass, hay, leaves, stumps and tires is prohibited statewide, as is construction material and debris.
- Are fire pits allowed in Chatham, Massachusetts?
- The Chatham sources we reviewed don't specifically regulate fire pits, so state rules apply. Ask Chatham Fire Rescue before using a fire pit for anything other than cooking.
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
- Chatham Fire Rescue, Brush Fire Safety / Open Burning flyer, Chatham Fire Rescue - Brush Fire Safety / Open Burning flyer and Apply for a Burn Permit page, p. 1
A written permit must be obtained from the Fire Department.
- Chatham Fire Rescue, Brush Fire Safety / Open Burning flyer, Chatham Fire Rescue - Brush Fire Safety / Open Burning flyer and Apply for a Burn Permit page, p. 1
The permit costs $5 and is valid for the burning season. The permit holder must call each day to see if burning is allowed that day.
- Chatham Fire Rescue, Brush Fire Safety / Open Burning flyer, Chatham Fire Rescue - Brush Fire Safety / Open Burning flyer and Apply for a Burn Permit page, p. 1
Open burning season is from January 15 to May 1 each year and may change based upon weather and fire hazard conditions.
- Chatham Fire Rescue, Brush Fire Safety / Open Burning flyer, Chatham Fire Rescue - Brush Fire Safety / Open Burning flyer and Apply for a Burn Permit page, p. 1
The open burning must be a minimum of 75 feet from all buildings and must be conducted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Chatham Fire Rescue, Brush Fire Safety / Open Burning flyer, Chatham Fire Rescue - Brush Fire Safety / Open Burning flyer and Apply for a Burn Permit page, p. 1
The open burning must be a minimum of 75 feet from all buildings and must be conducted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Chatham Fire Rescue, Brush Fire Safety / Open Burning flyer, Prohibited, Chatham Fire Rescue - Brush Fire Safety / Open Burning flyer and Apply for a Burn Permit page, p. 1
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.