Groveland Fire Reminds Residents of Open Burning Permits, Offers Safety Tips

Groveland Fire reminds residents about burn permits and safety tips this open burning season.

Open Burning Season begins on Jan. 15 through May 1. Per Massachusetts Law, residents and community members must obtain a burn permit or renew their current permit each year to comply with state and local laws. 

Obtaining a Burn Permit in Groveland: 

• Residents can obtain a burn permit at groveland.firepermits.com. The cost of the permit is $10. Payment can be made online or a check or money order must be submitted to the Groveland Fire Department before the approval of the burn permit. Residents will receive an email notifying them when the permit is approved. Permits are only issued to the owner of the property. For renters, the responsibility is of the property owner to obtain and activate a permit. 
• On any day a resident wishes to burn, the permit must be activated by visiting their groveland.firepermits.com account. Burn permits can only be activated on the day of burning between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The website will not allow permits to be activated outside of those hours. A notification will be posted on the homepage and the system will prevent an individual from activating a burn permit if conditions are unsafe for burning, such as high winds or droughts
• For more information about obtaining a burn permit, click here.

Open Burning Safety Tips:

• Burning must be done between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at least 75 feet away from all dwellings. 
• Keep children and pets a safe distance away from the fire. 
• An adult should be present and actively tending to the fire until it is completely extinguished. 
• Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid as a fire starter.
• Burn one small pile of material at a time and slowly add to it to ensure the fire does not get out of control. 
• Put the fire out if winds pick up or the weather changes. Most fires get out of control during sudden wind changes.
• Keep fire extinguishing materials handy. Materials should include a water supply, shovels and rakes.
• If the fire gets out of control, call 911 right away. 

Burning Information:

• May 1 is the last day of the open burning season. 
• Residents are allowed to burn:
  • Brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris (but not from commercial or industrial land clearing). 
  • Agricultural materials including fruit tree and bush pruning, raspberry stalks, and infected bee hives for disease control. 
  • Trees and brush from agricultural land clearing. 
  • Fungus-infected elm wood if no other acceptable means of disposal is available. 
• Residents may not burn:
  • Leaves 
  • Brush, trees, cane, or driftwood from commercial or industrial land clearing 
  • Grass, hay, leaves, stumps, or tires 
  • Construction materials or demolition debris 
  • Household trash 

For more information about open burning in Massachusetts, click here.

Residents are reminded that the past fall weather has been extremely dry, causing brush and wildfires across the state. Residents should remain cautious and use sound judgment during the open burning season. 

In the event of an emergency, call 911.