Town Permit Guide

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Burn permits and fire pits in Dover, Massachusetts

Dover, Norfolk County · Bylaws checked 2026-10-03 · Reviewed · 7 cited sections

Allowed with a permit

Yes, for brush, during burning season only: January 15 to May 1, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with an online Fire Department permit for each day you burn. The fire must be at least 75 feet from all buildings with a hose or water source nearby. Dover's page doesn't address backyard fire pits.

Season and hoursJan 15 to May 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. [1]
Permit applicationsOnline, 9 a.m. to noon only [2]
Permit frequencyNew permit form for each day you burn [3]
Distance from buildingsAt least 75 feet [4]
WaterHose or water source nearby [5]

Brush burning

The Dover Fire Department issues open-burning permits online during the state burning season, January 15 to May 1, and only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. [1]. You can apply only between 9 a.m. and noon [2], and you must fill out a new form for each day you plan to burn [3]. Before you light anything, activate your permit on the town website to confirm that air-quality conditions allow burning [6]. Public safety officials can close burning on any day because of weather or other factors, so check the status on the Fire Department's page each day.

A permit lets you burn brush, driftwood, cane, forestry debris, agriculture-related materials, agricultural land-clearing debris and fungus-infected elm wood. The dates above are from the Fire Department's 2026 season page; the January 15 to May 1 window is set by state rules, but check the page for the current year.

Conditions

  • Keep the fire at least 75 feet from all buildings [4].
  • Keep a hose or water source nearby to put the fire out [5].

What you can't burn

Leaves, grass, hay, stumps and tires can't be burned. The Fire Department's page also lists, as prohibited statewide, stacking or storing material in a way that suggests you plan to burn it [7]. Brush from commercial land-clearing can't be burned either.

Fire pits and recreational fires

The Fire Department's page doesn't mention fire pits, chimineas or other recreational fires. Under state guidance, cooking fires are allowed year-round, but a fire pit used for anything other than cooking falls under the open-burning rules. Call the Fire Department (508-785-1130) before using one.

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Next steps

  1. Check the Open Burn Permits page on doverma.gov for that day's OPEN/CLOSED status.
  2. Apply online between 9 a.m. and noon, and submit a new form for each burn day.
  3. Activate the permit on the website before burning, and burn only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at least 75 feet from buildings, with a hose ready.
  4. Ask the Fire Department (508-785-1130) about any fire pit or recreational fire.

Common questions

Do I need a burn permit in Dover, Massachusetts?
Yes. The Fire Department issues open-burning permits online, and you must fill out a new form for each day you burn. Applications are accepted only between 9 a.m. and noon.
When can I burn brush in Dover, Massachusetts?
During burning season, January 15 to May 1, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The fire must be at least 75 feet from all buildings with a hose or water source nearby.
Can I burn leaves in Dover, Massachusetts?
No. Leaves, grass, hay, stumps and tires can't be burned. A permit allows only brush and similar listed materials.
Can I have a fire pit in Dover, Massachusetts?
The Fire Department's page doesn't address fire pits. Under state guidance, cooking fires are allowed year-round, but a fire pit used for anything other than cooking falls under the open-burning rules. Call the Fire Department first.

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.

State sources: Department of Fire Services, Open Burning Safety · M.G.L. c. 48, §13 (permission required for open-air fires) · 310 CMR 7.00, Air Pollution Control (includes 7.07 Open Burning)

What the bylaw says

Exact text from Dover's published bylaws. Section numbers are as printed in the source.

  1. Dover Open Burning 2026 Guidelines & Procedures, Fire Department - Open Burn Permits
    January 15 - May 1, 2026 from 10am - 4pm only
  2. Dover Open Burning 2026 Guidelines & Procedures, Fire Department - Open Burn Permits
    Open Burning Permits applications are only available between 9am and 12pm.
  3. Dover Open Burning 2026 Guidelines & Procedures, Fire Department - Open Burn Permits
    You are also required to fill out a new permit form for EACH AND EVERY DAY you will be burning during the available burn period.
  4. Conditions, Fire Department - Open Burn Permits
    Burning required to be at least 75 feet away from all buildings
  5. Conditions, Fire Department - Open Burn Permits
    Must have a hose or water source nearby to extinguish the fire
  6. Conditions, Fire Department - Open Burn Permits
    Activate DAILY your permit on the Dover website before burning to be sure air quality conditions are acceptable for burning
  7. Prohibited statewide, Fire Department - Open Burn Permits
    Stacking, or storing combustible material in a way that the Fire Department may presume that it will be burned, for example, Grass, Hay, Leaves, Stumps, Tires
This page summarizes Dover's posted bylaws as of 2026-10-03. Bylaws are amended, and individual lots can have overlays, subdivision covenants, or HOA rules that are stricter. Confirm with Building Department (Inspector of Buildings / Zoning Enforcement Officer), Dover Town House, 5 Springdale Avenue (508-785-0032 ext. 225) before you build. Spot an error?