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Burn permits and fire pits in Yarmouth, Massachusetts

Yarmouth, Barnstable County · Bylaws checked 2026-10-15 · Reviewed · 8 cited sections

Allowed with a permit

Brush burning needs a $25 online permit from the Yarmouth Fire Department and is allowed only during the open burning season (January 15 to May 1 in 2026, so the 2026 season is over; check the Fire Department page for 2027), and you must activate the permit each day you burn. Backyard fire pits need no permit but, under Fire Department policy, are for cooking only, must be under 3 feet across and 2 feet high, and must sit 25 feet from the house, shed or deck.

2026 open burning seasonJanuary 15 - May 1 (2026 season has ended) [1]
Burn permit fee$25.00, online only [1]
Daily activationRequired each day you burn [2]
Burn day status (after hours)508-398-2212 [3]
Fire pit permitNone required on private property [4]
Fire pit useCooking only, enclosed in nonflammable material [5]
Fire pit sizeUnder 3 ft diameter; pile no more than 2 ft high [6]
Fire pit distance from structures25 feet from any habitable structure (house, shed, garage, deck); 10 feet from combustibles [7]
Not allowed in fire pitsConstruction debris, lumber, pallets, leaves, yard waste, cardboard, garbage; no accelerants [8]

Brush burning

The Yarmouth Fire Department sells open burning permits online only. The 2026 season ran from January 15 to May 1, and the permit costs $25 [1]. The page we reviewed lists only the 2026 dates; state rules set the same January 15 to May 1 window each year, but confirm the 2027 season on the Fire Department's page. You must activate your permit every day you plan to burn, which also shows you whether burning is allowed that day [2]. Outside business hours, call the Fire Department business line at 508-398-2212 to check whether it is a burn day [3].

The Fire Department page we reviewed does not list allowed materials, hours or distances; those come from state rules (brush only, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 75 feet from any dwelling, no leaves, grass or trash; see the state section). The department also posts a separate safety tips page with allowed and prohibited materials that we did not review.

Fire pits and backyard fires

The Fire Department's Open Fire Pits policy says no special permit is needed for an outdoor fire pit on private property [4], but the following rules apply:

  • The fire must be for cooking only and enclosed in rocks, stones, metal or other nonflammable material [5].
  • Keep it under 3 feet in diameter and no more than 2 feet high [6].
  • Locate the pit 25 feet from any habitable structure, including a house, shed, garage or deck, with 10 feet of clearance from combustibles like fences and trees [7].
  • Do not burn construction debris, pallets, leaves, yard waste, cardboard or garbage, and never use an accelerant [8].
  • An adult (18 or older) must attend the fire until it is fully out, with an extinguisher or garden hose at hand.

If neighbors complain about smoke or smell, the department may tell you to put the fire out, and repeated justified complaints can end your ability to burn.

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Next steps

  1. For brush: buy the $25 open burning permit online from the Yarmouth Fire Department once the next season opens (January 15 - May 1 in 2026; confirm the 2027 dates).
  2. On each burn day, activate the permit online to confirm burning is allowed; after hours call 508-398-2212.
  3. For a fire pit: place it at least 25 feet from your house, shed, garage or deck and 10 feet from fences and trees, keep it under 3 feet wide, use it for cooking, and keep a hose or extinguisher ready.

Common questions

Do I need a burn permit in Yarmouth, Massachusetts?
Yes, for brush burning. The Yarmouth Fire Department sells a $25 open burning permit online only, and you must activate it each day you plan to burn, which also shows whether burning is allowed that day. After business hours, call 508-398-2212.
When is burning season in Yarmouth, Massachusetts?
The 2026 season ran January 15 to May 1 and has ended. State rules set the same January 15 to May 1 window each year, but confirm the 2027 dates on the Yarmouth Fire Department's page.
Do I need a permit for a fire pit in Yarmouth, Massachusetts?
No. Fire Department policy says no permit is needed for a fire pit on private property, but it must be for cooking only, enclosed in nonflammable material, under 3 feet across and no more than 2 feet high, 25 feet from any house, shed, garage or deck, and 10 feet from fences and trees.
What can I burn in Yarmouth, Massachusetts?
For brush burning, state rules apply: brush only, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 75 feet from any dwelling, and no leaves, grass or trash. In fire pits, don't burn construction debris, pallets, leaves, yard waste, cardboard or garbage, and never use an accelerant.

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

  1. Open Burning Information, Yarmouth Fire Department - Open Burning Information (2026 season Jan 15 - May 1, $25 online permit, activate daily), p. 1
    *THE 2026 OPEN BURNING SEASON IS FROM JANUARY 15TH - MAY 1ST* Fee: $25.00
  2. Open Burning Information, Yarmouth Fire Department - Open Burning Information (2026 season Jan 15 - May 1, $25 online permit, activate daily), p. 1
    PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST ACTIVATE YOUR PERMIT EACH DAY YOU BURN! BY DOING SO, YOU ARE ABLE TO SEE THE OPEN BURNING STATUS FOR THE DAY.
  3. Open Burning Information, Yarmouth Fire Department - Open Burning Information (2026 season Jan 15 - May 1, $25 online permit, activate daily), p. 1
    **If checking to see if it is a burn day outside of business hours please call the business line at 508-398-2212.**
  4. Open Fire Pits policy, Yarmouth Fire Department - Open Fire Pits policy, p. 1
    There is no type of special permit required for the use of outdoor fire pits on private property
  5. Open Fire Pits policy, Yarmouth Fire Department - Open Fire Pits policy, p. 1
    The fire must be for cooking purposes only. The fire must be enclosed within rocks, stones, metal, or other nonflammable material.
  6. Open Fire Pits policy, Yarmouth Fire Department - Open Fire Pits policy, p. 1
    Keep the fire small and manageable (less than 3' in diameter). The pile cannot exceed 2 feet in height.
  7. Open Fire Pits policy, Yarmouth Fire Department - Open Fire Pits policy, p. 1
    All fire pits must be located 25 feet away from any habitable structure. (House, shed, garage, decks, etc.) The fire pit must have 10 feet of clearance from any combustible material.
  8. Open Fire Pits policy, Yarmouth Fire Department - Open Fire Pits policy, p. 1
    Burning of construction debris, lumber, pallets, scrap wood, leaves, yard waste, cardboard, garbage, and similar items is not permitted. Never use an accelerant to light any fire.
This page summarizes Yarmouth'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 Building Department (Inspectional Services) (508-398-2231 ext. 1261) before you build. Spot an error?