Open Fire Pits
There is no type of special permit required in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the use of outdoor fire pits on private property however; there are some simple rules to follow such as:
1. Keep the fire small and manageable (less than 3′ in diameter).
2. Never use wet, damp, or “new” wood. This creates needless, irritating smoke. Always use dry, seasoned wood, charcoal, or specialist fuel (e.g. wood burning briquettes).
3. Do not cause a nuisance to neighbors.
4. If Groveland Fire Department receives complaints from neighbors that the smoke or smell is bothersome to them, we will investigate, and if deemed necessary, you may be instructed to extinguish.
5. The fire pit should be sited on a flat surface that is non-combustible. An area a minimum of 15’should be cleared around the fire pit in all directions and clear of all vegetation and combustibles, as well as being 75 feet from any structure.
6. If using a manufactured fire pit, it is to be placed on a flat and level surface. The fire pit should not wobble at all.
7. If assembly is required, be sure to read the assembly instructions carefully and attach any fastenings securely.
8. Do not leave the fire unattended. It could pose a hazard to both children and pets.
9. Make sure that the fire pit is placed away from other materials that could burn or catch fire, both overhead and to the side, such as building components, tree branches, sheds, awnings, clothes lines, fences and plants.
10. Use long barbecue tongs to handle wood or cooking items to lessen the risk of burning yourself. A pair of fire gloves would also be useful. The surfaces of cast iron fire pits in particular get very hot.
11. Never use a manufactured fire pit indoors or in an enclosed area.
12. It is required to keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose handy, for quick extinguishment if necessary.
13. Never use an accelerant to light any fire. There have been cases of people burning themselves while trying to light a fire with a “small amount” of gasoline. The fire will “flash back” on the person, and can cause severe burns, and possibly death.
Use of Chimneys
There is no type of special permit required in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the personal, outdoor use of chimineas on private property. However, there are some simple guidelines to follow such as:
1. Keep the fire small and manageable.
2. Never use wet, damp, or “new” wood. This creates needless, irritating smoke. Always use dry, seasoned wood or specialized chiminea fuel (e.g. wood burning briquettes).
3. If Groveland Fire department receives complaints from neighbors that the smoke or smell is bothersome to them, we will investigate, and if deemed necessary, you may be instructed to extinguish the fire.
4. The chiminea should be sited on a flat surface that is noncombustible. It should not be placed directly onto a wooden surface.
5. The surface that the chiminea is to be placed on should be flat and level. The chiminea should not wobble at all.
6. If assembly is required, be sure to read the assembly instructions carefully and attach any fastenings securely.
7. Do not leave the chiminea unattended. It gets very hot and could pose a hazard to both children and pets.
8. Make sure that the chiminea is placed away from other combustible materials that could burn or catch fire, both overhead and to the sides, such as building components, tree branches, sheds, awnings, clothes lines, fences and plants.
9. Use long barbecue tongs to handle wood or cooking items to lessen the risk of burning yourself. A pair of fire gloves would also be useful – the sides of cast iron units in particular get very hot.
10. Never use your chiminea indoors or in an enclosed area.
11. It is required to keep a fire extinguisher handy, just in case.
12. Never use an accelerant such as gasoline, diesel fuel or Coleman fuel to light a chiminea. There have been cases of people burning themselves while trying to light a chiminea with a “small amount” of fuel. The fire will “flash back” on the person, and can cause severe burns, and possibly death.
If you have any further questions related to the use of open fire pits or chimineas, contact the Groveland Fire Department Fire Prevention Office (Lt. Allen Credit) at 978-374-1923.
