Burn permits and fire pits in Lincoln, Massachusetts
Brush burning in Lincoln is allowed only during the state burning season, January 15 to May 1, and you need a burn permit on file with the Lincoln Fire Department before you light anything. Lincoln's bylaws have no local rules on backyard fire pits, so the state rules shown separately apply.
| Burning season | January 15 through May 1 [1] |
| Permit | Must be on file with the Lincoln Fire Department before any outside burning [1] |
| Street number condition | Fire Dept. permits issued only to properties with proper street numbering [2] |
| Local open-burning or fire-pit bylaw | None found; the general bylaws mention burn permits only in a tax-license exemption [3] |
Brush burning
The Lincoln Fire Department says the outside burning season in Massachusetts runs from January 15 through May 1. A burning permit must be on file with the department before you do any outside burning [1]. The department grants its permits only to properties that show proper street numbering, so make sure your house number is clearly posted before you apply [2].
Lincoln's general bylaws don't add any local open-burning rules. Their only mention of open burning permits is to exempt them from the bylaw that lets the town deny licenses to people with unpaid municipal taxes [3]. That means the details of brush burning come from state regulations, which are summarized separately on this page: allowed materials, burning hours, distance from buildings and daily air-quality calls.
Fire pits and recreational fires
We found nothing in Lincoln's general bylaws, zoning bylaw or Fire Department pages about backyard fire pits, chimineas or recreational fires. The statewide rules on cooking fires and fire pits apply. If you're unsure whether a particular fire needs a permit, call the Fire Department before lighting it.
Practical notes
Under the state rules, fire officials decide each day whether conditions allow burning and can cancel permits, so check with the Fire Department on the day you plan to burn even if you already have a permit.
See how Lincoln compares with 8+ other Massachusetts towns on burn permits & backyard fires →
Next steps
- Make sure your house number is clearly displayed, since the Fire Department requires it before issuing permits.
- Get a brush burning permit from the Lincoln Fire Department before burning, and burn only between January 15 and May 1.
- On the day you plan to burn, check with the Fire Department that burning is allowed.
- For a backyard fire pit, follow the state recreational and cooking fire rules, and call the Fire Department with any questions.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Lincoln, Massachusetts?
- Yes. Brush burning is allowed only during the state burning season, January 15 to May 1, and you need a burn permit on file with the Lincoln Fire Department before you light anything.
- Can I have a backyard fire pit in Lincoln, Massachusetts?
- Lincoln's bylaws have no local rules on backyard fire pits, so state rules apply. Call the Fire Department with questions.
- Why was my burn permit refused in Lincoln, Massachusetts?
- The Fire Department issues permits only to properties with proper street numbering, so make sure your house number is clearly displayed.
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 Prevention - Inspections & Permits, Fire Department - Fire Prevention (outside burning)
The outside burning season in Massachusetts is January 15 through May 1. Permits for burning must be on file with the Lincoln Fire Department prior to any outside burning.
- Fire Prevention - Inspections & Permits, Fire Department - Fire Prevention (outside burning)
As a condition of issuance, permits will be granted to only those applicants whose properties display proper street numbering, in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 148, Section 59.
- Article XI, Section 16.E (license denial for nonpayment of taxes), General By-laws (amended through March 29, 2025 ATM), p. 32
E. This By-law shall not apply to the following licenses and permits: open burning permits; bicycle permits; sales of articles for charitable purposes; children work permits;