Can I get a burn permit in Salem, MA?

Don't plan on it. The Salem Fire Department says there is no open burning in the City of Salem. Under state rules a brush burn needs a local fire department permit, so you should not expect one; ask Salem Fire Prevention about a specific need.

Are fire pits allowed in Salem, Massachusetts?

Only gas ones. Salem bans wood, charcoal and pellet fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces citywide. Propane or natural-gas fire pits are allowed if listed or labeled by a recognized testing organization; a permanent piped one needs an Inspectional Services permit and a licensed installer.

Can I use a charcoal grill on my deck in Salem, MA?

No. Charcoal and other solid-fuel grills can't be used on decks, porches or balconies, or within 10 feet of a structure. Propane grills can't be used above the first floor or on a roofed first-floor porch or deck.

Where can I have a campfire in Salem, Massachusetts?

Only at designated campsites in Winter Island Campground, in a fire pit no larger than 30 inches, supervised by an adult, between 5:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Bonfires aren't permitted, and only clean, untreated wood may be burned.

Burn permits and fire pits in Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Essex County · Bylaws checked 2026-10-15 · Reviewed 2026-10-15 · 5 cited sections

Not allowed

Don't plan on it. The Salem Fire Department says there is no open burning in the City of Salem, and under state rules a brush burn needs a permit from the local fire department. Separately, Chapter 20 bans wood, charcoal and pellet fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces citywide; listed propane or natural-gas fire pits are allowed.

Brush/open burning	Not allowed, per the Salem Fire Department (no ordinance section found) ^[1]
Wood/charcoal fire pits, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces	Prohibited citywide ^[2]
Gas (propane/natural gas) fire pits	Allowed if listed or labeled by a testing organization ^[3]
Permanent gas fire pits	Need an Inspectional Services permit and licensed installer ^[3]
Charcoal grills	Not on decks, porches or balconies, or within 10 ft of a structure ^[4]
Only place for wood campfires	Designated campsites at Winter Island Campground, 5:00-11:30 p.m. ^[5]

No open burning

The Salem Fire Department's Open Burning page states that there is no open burning in the City of Salem ^[1]. We did not find an ordinance section that bans brush burning itself: Chapter 20 bans solid-fuel fire pits and similar devices, not seasonal brush burning, and Salem is not one of the 22 communities where the state bans open burning outright. Under state rules, a brush burn during the January 15 to May 1 season needs a permit from the local fire department, so the department's position means you should not expect one. If you have a specific need, ask Salem Fire Prevention.

Fire pits and chimineas

Chapter 20 of the Code of Ordinances prohibits using any outdoor patio or space heater, chiminea, fire pit or outdoor fireplace that burns solid fuel, meaning wood, charcoal, fuel pellets or any other non-gaseous fuel ^[2]. Stores that sell these devices must label them warning buyers they can't be used in Salem.

Gas is the exception. Fire pits, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces and patio heaters fueled by natural gas or propane (refillable tank or permanently piped) are allowed if the appliance is listed or labeled by a recognized testing organization ^[3]. A permanent, hard-piped installation must be permitted through Inspectional Services and installed by a licensed installer. Up to two 20-pound propane cylinders can be kept without a Fire Department permit; larger amounts or permanent tanks need one.

Grills

Cooking is treated separately. Charcoal and other solid-fuel grills and hibachis can't be used on or in a building, on balconies, decks or porches, or within 10 feet of a structure ^[4]. Propane grills can't be used or stored above the first floor, or on a first-floor porch or deck enclosed by a roof.

Campfires

The only place wood campfires are allowed is at designated campsites in Winter Island Campground, in a fire pit no larger than 30 inches, supervised by an adult, and only between 5:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. ^[5]. Bonfires are not permitted, and only clean, untreated wood may be burned.

See how Salem compares with 8+ other Massachusetts towns on burn permits & backyard fires →

Next steps

Don't burn brush, leaves or yard waste in Salem; ask the city about other disposal options.
If you want a backyard fire feature, buy a propane or natural-gas fire pit that is listed/labeled by a testing lab (e.g., UL).
For a permanently piped gas fire pit, hire a licensed gas fitter and get the permit through Inspectional Services (978-619-5641).
Questions about burning go to the Salem Fire Department's Fire Prevention office; see the city website for contact details.

Common questions

Can I get a burn permit in Salem, MA?: Don't plan on it. The Salem Fire Department says there is no open burning in the City of Salem. Under state rules a brush burn needs a local fire department permit, so you should not expect one; ask Salem Fire Prevention about a specific need.
Are fire pits allowed in Salem, Massachusetts?: Only gas ones. Salem bans wood, charcoal and pellet fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces citywide. Propane or natural-gas fire pits are allowed if listed or labeled by a recognized testing organization; a permanent piped one needs an Inspectional Services permit and a licensed installer.
Can I use a charcoal grill on my deck in Salem, MA?: No. Charcoal and other solid-fuel grills can't be used on decks, porches or balconies, or within 10 feet of a structure. Propane grills can't be used above the first floor or on a roofed first-floor porch or deck.
Where can I have a campfire in Salem, Massachusetts?: Only at designated campsites in Winter Island Campground, in a fire pit no larger than 30 inches, supervised by an adult, between 5:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Bonfires aren't permitted, and only clean, untreated wood may be burned.

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 Salem's published bylaws. Section numbers are as printed in the source.

Salem Fire Department, Open Burning page, Salem Fire Department - Open Burning, p. 1
There is no open burning in the City of Salem.
Sec. 20-129(a), Code of Ordinances Chapter 20 - Fire Prevention and Protection (Sec. 20-125 et seq. outdoor solid-fuel appliances/fire pits ban), p. 1
Unless otherwise provided herein, it is prohibited within the city to use any outdoor patio or space heater, decorative heating appliance such as a chiminea, fire pit or outdoor fireplace using solid fuel including charcoal, wood, fuel pellets or any non-gaseous fuel.
Sec. 20-130(a)(1), Code of Ordinances Chapter 20 - Fire Prevention and Protection (Sec. 20-125 et seq. outdoor solid-fuel appliances/fire pits ban), p. 1
Outdoor patio or space heaters and decorative heating appliances such as chiminea, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces that are fueled by natural gas or LP-Gas using a refillable tank or permanently installed are allowed for use within the city provided the appliance is listed or labeled by a recognized product testing organization. Where permanent, such installation shall be installed and permitted through the Inspectional Services Department of the City of Salem and installed by a licensed installer in accordance with all applicable codes and reference standards.
Sec. 20-131(b)(1), Code of Ordinances Chapter 20 - Fire Prevention and Protection (Sec. 20-125 et seq. outdoor solid-fuel appliances/fire pits ban), p. 1
Under the authority of 527 CMR, the Salem Fire Department prohibits the use of portable charcoal or any solid or non-gaseous fueled cooking grills, hibachi or similar cooking appliances on or within a building or structure, and further prohibits their use on balconies, decks, porches or within ten feet of a structure.
Sec. 20-129(b)(7), Code of Ordinances Chapter 20 - Fire Prevention and Protection (Sec. 20-125 et seq. outdoor solid-fuel appliances/fire pits ban), p. 1
No campfires are allowed prior to 5:00 p.m. and all fires must be extinguished by 11:30 p.m.

This page summarizes Salem's posted bylaws as of 2026-10-15. Bylaws are amended, and individual lots can have overlays, subdivision covenants, or HOA rules that are stricter. Confirm with Inspectional Services (Building Department), 98 Washington St, 2nd Floor (978-619-5641) before you build. Spot an error?