Burn permits and fire pits in Scituate, Massachusetts
Brush burning needs a Scituate Fire Department permit and is allowed only from January 15 to May 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at least 75 feet from any structure. It is banned entirely in Minot, Humarock and anywhere east of Hatherly Road. Outdoor cooking fires in a non-flammable enclosure, permanent barbecue or outdoor fireplace need no permit, but must be at least 25 feet from structures and can't be lit on red flag days or when winds exceed 15 mph.
| Where burning is banned | Minot, Humarock, and anywhere east of Hatherly Rd [1] |
| Burning season | January 15 to May 1 (2026 season) [2] |
| Hours | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; start before noon, out by 4 p.m. [3] |
| Distance from structures (brush fire) | 75 feet [4] |
| What may be burned | Brush only; no leaves, stumps or grass [5] |
| Cooking fires | No permit; non-flammable enclosure, natural wood only, 25 ft from structures [7] |
| Fine for illegal burning | $500 [6] |
Brush burning by permit
Open burning is prohibited in Minot, Humarock and any location east of Hatherly Road [1]. Elsewhere, residents may burn brush with a Fire Department permit during the season, which ran January 15 through May 1 in 2026 [2]. Burning is allowed only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; fires must be started before noon and fully out by 4 p.m. [3].
Conditions
- Fires must be at least 75 feet from any structure, with water (a pump, can or hose) and shovels or rakes on hand [4].
- Only brush may be burned. Leaves, stumps and grass may not [5]. Fires must be tended at all times, and piles kept small.
- You must check online each day to request and confirm permission; burning is allowed only when wind and dryness permit.
- The fire must be put out if it causes a smoke nuisance complaint. Illegal burning carries a $500 fine under state law [6].
Fire pits and cooking fires
Outdoor cooking fires are allowed without a permit at any time, but must follow state law [7]: no fires on red flag days or when winds exceed 15 mph; the fire must be in a non-flammable enclosure, permanent barbecue or outdoor fireplace; and only natural wood may be burned, never trash, pallets or construction debris. The fire must be at least 25 feet from any structure and attended by someone 18 or older, with a hose or other extinguisher ready [8]. The Fire Department can order any fire put out if smoke or fire danger is a problem. A fire pit used for something other than cooking isn't covered by this exemption (see state rules on this page).
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Next steps
- Confirm your property isn't in Minot, Humarock or east of Hatherly Road, where open burning is banned.
- Get a burning permit from the Scituate Fire Department before the season starts (January 15), then check online and request permission each day you plan to burn.
- For a backyard cooking fire, use a non-flammable fire pit, permanent barbecue or outdoor fireplace at least 25 ft from structures, with a hose ready. Questions: Fire Department 781-545-8748.
Common questions
- Can I burn brush in Scituate, Massachusetts?
- Yes, with a Scituate Fire Department permit, only from January 15 to May 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at least 75 feet from any structure. Burning is banned in Minot, Humarock and east of Hatherly Road.
- Can I have a fire pit or cookout fire in Scituate, Massachusetts?
- Cooking fires in a non-flammable enclosure, permanent barbecue or outdoor fireplace need no permit. They must be at least 25 feet from structures and can't be lit on red flag days or when winds exceed 15 mph.
- What can I burn in Scituate, Massachusetts?
- Brush only. Leaves, stumps and grass are not allowed.
- What is the fine for illegal burning in Scituate, Massachusetts?
- The page lists a $500 fine for illegal 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
- Fire Department, Burning Permit Regulations, Fire Department - Burning Permit Regulations
Open burning is prohibited in the following areas: Minot, Humarock and any location EAST of Hatherly RD.
- Fire Department, Burning Permit Regulations, Fire Department - Burning Permit Regulations
The open burning season for residential properties will be from January 15, 2026, through May 1, 2026
- Fire Department, Burning Permit Regulations, Fire Department - Burning Permit Regulations
Permit burning is only allowed between the daylight hours of 10 am to 4 pm and all fires must be started before noon and all fires must be completely extinguished by 4 pm.
- Fire Department, Burning Permit Regulations, Fire Department - Burning Permit Regulations
All fires must be at least 75 ft from any structure and you must have an available water supply, such as, a pressurized water pump, can, or hose and shovels or rakes for controlling the fire.
- Fire Department, Burning Permit Regulations, Fire Department - Burning Permit Regulations
ONLY BRUSH MAY BE BURNED: LEAVES, STUMPS AND GRASS MAY NOT. All fires must be tended to at all times.
- Fire Department, Burning Permit Regulations, Fire Department - Burning Permit Regulations
A fine of $500 is applicable by Mass. Law for any illegal burning
- Fire Department, Open Burning Guidelines (Outside Fires), Fire Department - Open Burning Guidelines (cooking/recreational fires)
Outside cooking fires are allowed without a permit at any time but must comply with M.G.L. Chapter 48 Section 13. This means: No fires are allowed on red flag days or when winds exceed 15 mph. The outside fire cannot be in a hazardous area and must be contained in a non-flammable enclosure, permanent barbeque or outdoor fireplace.
- Fire Department, Open Burning Guidelines (Outside Fires), Fire Department - Open Burning Guidelines (cooking/recreational fires)
The fire must be at least 25 feet from any structure or items that may cause fire spread. Fires must be attended at all times by someone who is 18 years old or older until completely extinguished.