Burn permits and fire pits in Weston, Massachusetts
Brush burning is allowed in Weston only during the open burn season, January 15 to May 1, with a seasonal permit from the Fire Department applied for online each year. On each day you want to burn, you must call 781-786-6101 for permission. The town sources we reviewed don't specifically regulate backyard fire pits.
| Burn season | January 15 to May 1 [1] |
| Permit | Seasonal Fire Department permit, applied for online every year [2] |
| Daily permission | Call 781-786-6101 each day you want to burn [3] |
| Rules | Emailed with your permit number after you apply [4] |
| Fire pits | Not addressed in the local sources we reviewed [1] |
Brush burning
The Weston Fire Department's permit page says the open burn season "runs from January 15th to May 1st every year" [1]. You need a seasonal permit, applied for every year through the town's online permitting system [2]. After you apply, the department emails you its rules and regulations with your permit number [4].
A seasonal permit alone doesn't let you burn on any day. Each day you want to burn, you must call 781-786-6101 for permission. The officer in charge checks the weather forecast and the state Department of Environmental Protection's conditions before allowing burning that day [3]. If you don't have email, call the department and staff will help you get a permit.
What you can burn
The local sources we reviewed don't list allowed or banned materials or burning hours. State rules (shown separately on this page) limit open burning to brush and similar material, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at least 75 ft from any dwelling. Leaves, grass, stumps and trash can't be burned.
Fire pits and cooking fires
Weston's General By-laws (compiled through September 2022) and the Fire Department page don't specifically regulate recreational fire pits or chimineas. Under state rules, cooking fires are allowed year-round, but a fire pit used for anything other than cooking is treated as open burning. Call the Fire Department before using one outside the burn season.
The Fire Department also offers a "Safety Tips for Open Burning" guide on the same page.
See how Weston compares with 8+ other Massachusetts towns on burn permits & backyard fires →
Next steps
- Apply for a seasonal open burn permit through Weston's online permitting system (linked from the Fire Department's Applications, Permits & Instructions page) before January 15.
- Read the rules and regulations emailed with your permit number.
- On each day you want to burn (January 15 to May 1), call the Fire Department at 781-786-6101 for permission before lighting.
- For questions about fire pits or recreational fires, call the Fire Department (394 Boston Post Road) and ask for the Officer in Charge.
Common questions
- Can I burn brush in Weston, Massachusetts?
- Yes, only during the open burn season, January 15 to May 1, with a seasonal Fire Department permit applied for online each year.
- Do I need to call before burning in Weston, Massachusetts?
- Yes. On each day you want to burn, call 781-786-6101 for permission.
- Are fire pits allowed in Weston, Massachusetts?
- The town sources reviewed don't specifically regulate backyard fire pits. Ask the Fire Department.
- How do I get a burn permit in Weston, Massachusetts?
- Apply online each year. The rules are emailed to you with your permit number after you 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 Burn Permit, Fire Department - Applications, Permits & Instructions (Open Burn Permit)
The Open Burn season in Weston runs from January 15th to May 1st every year.
- Fire Department, Open Burn Permit, Fire Department - Applications, Permits & Instructions (Open Burn Permit)
A seasonal permit must be applied for every year through our online permitting system .
- Fire Department, Open Burn Permit, Fire Department - Applications, Permits & Instructions (Open Burn Permit)
Each day you would like to burn, you must call 781-786-6101 and obtain permission to burn for the day. The Officer in charge will check the weather forecast and the Department of Environmental Protections to verify conditions for the day are acceptable.
- Fire Department, Open Burn Permit, Fire Department - Applications, Permits & Instructions (Open Burn Permit)
Once the application is completed, you will be emailed a copy of the rules and regulations with your permit number attached.