Burn permits and fire pits in Westford, Massachusetts
Brush and yard-debris burning in Westford is allowed only from January 15 to May 1, with a burning permit from the Westford Fire Department. When we checked the Fire Department's page in October 2026, it said "Residential Open Air Burning Is Not Permitted At This Time"; the page doesn't say whether that is a seasonal notice or a longer suspension, so check before you plan a burn. The town sources we found have no rule on backyard fire pits.
| Burn season | January 15 to May 1 [2] |
| Permit | Burning permit issued by the Fire Department [2] |
| Notice on the town page (checked October 2026) | Residential open-air burning not permitted at this time [1] |
| Penalties | Firefighting costs, permit revocation, fines or imprisonment (M.G.L. c.48, s.13) [3] |
Brush burning
The Westford Fire Department's open burning page says open burning of yard debris in Massachusetts is allowed only between January 15 and May 1, and only with a burning permit issued by the Fire Department [2]. It sends residents to the state Department of Fire Services for more information on the rules; the state rules on materials, hours and distances are summarized in the state section on this page.
The "not permitted at this time" notice
When we checked the page in October 2026, it carried the banner "Residential Open Air Burning Is Not Permitted At This Time" [1]. The page doesn't explain it. We checked outside the January 15 to May 1 season, so it may simply be an off-season notice, but the page doesn't say so, and fire officials also decide each day whether conditions allow burning. Check the page or call the Fire Department before you plan a burn.
Penalties
Anyone who burns illegally or lets a fire get out of control can be held liable for the cost of putting it out, and can also face permit revocation, fines or imprisonment under M.G.L. c.48, s.13 [3].
Fire pits and recreational fires
We found no Westford bylaw, Board of Health rule or Fire Department guidance on backyard fire pits, chimineas or recreational fires. The state rules on cooking fires and fire pits apply (see the state section), and the Fire Department can tell you if it has any local conditions.
Alternatives
The page suggests other ways to get rid of yard waste: the Westford Firefighters Association's Christmas tree pickup (usually the first weekend after New Year's) and the Westford Recycling Commission's "How to Recycle Most Everything" guide.
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Next steps
- Check the Fire Department's Open Burning page or call the Fire Department (978-399-2345) to see if burning is open and how to get a permit.
- Burn only brush and yard debris allowed by state rules, only between January 15 and May 1, and only on a day your permit covers.
- For fire pits or recreational fires, ask the Fire Department whether any local conditions apply.
Common questions
- Do I need a burn permit in Westford, MA?
- Yes. Brush and yard-debris burning in Westford is allowed only from January 15 to May 1, with a burning permit from the Westford Fire Department. Check the Fire Department's Open Burning page or call before you plan a burn.
- When is burning season in Westford, Massachusetts?
- January 15 to May 1, and only with a Fire Department burning permit. Fire officials also decide each day whether conditions allow burning, so check with the Westford Fire Department before you plan a burn.
- Is open burning allowed right now in Westford, Massachusetts?
- Check first. When we looked in October 2026, the Westford Fire Department's page said "Residential Open Air Burning Is Not Permitted At This Time", without saying whether that is a seasonal notice or a longer suspension. Burning is only allowed January 15 to May 1 with a permit.
- Are fire pits allowed in Westford, MA?
- Westford's town sources don't say. We found no bylaw, Board of Health rule or Fire Department guidance on backyard fire pits, chimineas or recreational fires, so the state rules on cooking fires and fire pits apply; ask the Fire Department whether any local conditions apply.
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 - Open Burning page (banner), Fire Department - Open Burning, p. 1
Residential Open Air Burning Is Not Permitted At This Time
- Fire Department - Open Burning page, Fire Department - Open Burning, p. 1
Open burning of yard debris throughout Massachusetts is only permitted between January 15th and May 1st with a burning permit issued by the Fire Department.
- Fire Department - Open Burning page, Fire Department - Open Burning, p. 1
Anyone conducting illegal burning or who allow a fire to get out of control could be held liable for the costs of extinguishing the fire in addition to revocation of their burning permit, fines, or imprisonment (M.G.L. c.48, s13)