Open Air Burning Permits for yard clean-ups are now available from the Fire Department. State regulations allow burning from January 15th to May 1st. Application and payment for burning permits are now done online! Online Permit
State Open Air Burning Regulations
- The Commonwealth of Massachusetts allows open air burning from January 15 to May 1 of each year.
- Only garden preparation and tree trimming material may be burned (no leaves or stumps).
- Burning sites need to be inspected by the Fire Department prior to use.
- Burning is allowed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at which time all burning must be concluded.
- Burning must be constantly attended and a garden hose or water source must be readily available.
- Burning sites must be located at least 75 feet from structures and materials cannot be piled higher than 3 feet, longer than 25 feet, or wider than 10 feet.
- Once a permit is obtained from the Fire Department, it is good for the remainder of the burning season, and no further inspections will be made.
- A telephone call to the department must be made prior to burning in order to activate the permit and ensure that burning is allowed on any particular day (high winds or dry conditions will negate open burning).
- For more information visit Gardner Fire Dept. webpage Gardner Fire Dept.