Burn permits and fire pits in Reading, Massachusetts
Brush burning needs an Open Burning permit from the Reading Fire Department ($15, applied for online). State rules limit the season to January 15 through May 1, even though the town's fee page says "Jan 1 - May 1." Burning leaves is banned by town bylaw. Reading has no local fire-pit rules, so state rules on cooking and recreational fires apply.
| Open burning permit fee | $15 (covers 2 days of burning) [1] |
| Season listed on the town fee page | Jan 1 - May 1 (state season is Jan 15 - May 1) [1] |
| How to apply | Online through the Fire Department's permit system [2] |
| Leaves | Burning fallen leaves in the open is prohibited [3] |
Permit for brush burning
The Reading Fire Department's fee schedule lists an Open Burning permit for $15, described as "Jan 1 - May 1 - 2 days of burning" [1]. The Fire Department says all its permits are applied for online [2]. The town's delinquent-tax permit rule doesn't apply to open burning permits [4]. We couldn't open the online permit portal, so we couldn't confirm its application steps or daily conditions.
Season: the town page and state law differ
The town fee page says January 1. Under Massachusetts rules (310 CMR 7.07), open burning is allowed only January 15 to May 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on days the fire department allows it. State rules also require burning at least 75 feet from any dwelling. Plan on the state season. Before January 15, ask the Fire Department whether the "Jan 1" date is just a typo.
What you can't burn
Reading's General Bylaw §8.9.3 says no one may burn fallen leaves in the open anywhere in town [3]. This bylaw dates to 1970. State rules also limit burning to brush and similar wood debris. Grass, hay, stumps, construction debris and trash are never allowed.
Fire pits and backyard fires
We found no Reading bylaw or fire department rule on fire pits, chimineas or recreational fires. Under state rules, small cooking fires are allowed year-round in a non-flammable enclosure, tended by an adult. A fire pit used for anything other than cooking counts as open burning.
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Next steps
- Between January 15 and May 1, apply online for an Open Burning permit through the Reading Fire Department ($15).
- On the day you plan to burn, confirm that the Fire Department is allowing burning. Burn only brush, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at least 75 feet from any home.
- Don't burn leaves. Compost them or use town yard-waste collection instead.
- For fire-pit questions, call Fire Prevention (Capt. Scott Myette, 781-942-6733) or Fire Headquarters (781-944-3132).
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Reading, MA?
- Yes. Brush burning needs an Open Burning permit from the Reading Fire Department, which costs $15 and covers 2 days of burning. Apply online.
- When is burning season in Reading, Massachusetts?
- State rules allow open burning only January 15 to May 1, even though Reading's fee page says "Jan 1 - May 1." Plan on the state season, and burn only brush, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at least 75 feet from any home.
- Can I burn leaves in Reading, Massachusetts?
- No. Reading's General Bylaw bans burning fallen leaves in the open anywhere in town.
- Are fire pits allowed in Reading, MA?
- Reading has no local fire-pit rules, so state rules apply. Small cooking fires are allowed year-round in a non-flammable enclosure, tended by an adult. A fire pit used for anything other than cooking counts as open burning.
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
- Reading Fire Department Fee Schedule, Permits, Reading Fire Department - Permit Fee Schedule (Open Burning permit, Jan 1 - May 1), p. 1
Open Burning (Jan 1 - May 1 - 2 days of burning) $15.00
- FAQ: Where do I apply for Permits?, Reading Fire Department main page (permits online, contacts), p. 1
Where do I apply for Permits? All permits are online.
- §8.9.3 Burning Leaves, Town of Reading General Bylaw ('General Bylaw - April 2026'), p. 92
8.9.3 Burning Leaves No person shall burn or cause to be burned in the open, fallen leaves within the Town.
- §6.2.5 Non-Applicability, Town of Reading General Bylaw ('General Bylaw - April 2026'), p. 32
This section shall not apply to the following licenses and permits (as referenced to MGL): open burning, Chapter 48 Section 13;