Outdoor Burning Season Has Begun In Reading: Know The Rules

READING, MA — The outdoor burning season in Massachusetts started on Jan. 15 and ends on May 1.

Here's a rundown of the Reading's open burning regulations.

1. Burning shall be limited to brush, branches, cane, driftwood, and forest debris from other than commercial land clearing operations. No open burning of grass, hay leaves, stumps, tires, or rubbish allowed.
2. Permits are valid for two (2) days and may be purchased for $15.00 in advance at the Reading Fire Department located at 757 Main Street Reading.
3. Permit holders who desire to burn must call (781)944-3132 after 9:00 a.m. each day for permission to burn. No fire shall be started before 10:00 a.m. and all fires shall be fully extinguished by 4:00 p.m. of the same day.
4. All fires must be at least 75 feet from any dwelling or structure and must be attended and controlled at all times.
5. The use of gasoline or any volatile liquid to start or maintain fires is prohibited. Additional regulations relating to open burning may be enforced under this permit.
6. This permit does not release the holder of any liability associated with open burning.
7. This permit may be cancelled or revoked at any time by the Fire Chief or his designee.
8. The permit must be available for inspection by Fire Department personnel upon request. Permits are not transferable and are only good for the address issued.

Here are some tips for open burning season shared by the Department Of Fire Services:

Permits Are Required: Get a permit from the local fire warden or fire chief. Fire wardens determine when it is safe to conduct open burning on a daily basis. Weather conditions change rapidly, especially in the spring. Permits can be rescinded if conditions change suddenly, making it unsafe to burn.

According to Department of Environmental Protection regulation (310 CMR DEP 7.07), open burning must: be a minimum of 75 feet from all buildings; be conducted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from January 15 to May 1; and take place on the land closest to the source of material to be burned. You must also be sure air quality conditions are acceptable for burning by calling the Massachusetts DEP Air Quality Hotline at 617-556-1021 or by visiting the MassAir Online website.

Only Certain Materials Can Be Burned Brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris from other than commercial or industrial land clearing operations.• Agricultural materials such as fruit tree and bush prunings, raspberry stalks, and infected bee hives for disease control.• Trees and brush resulting from agricultural land clearing.• Fungus infected elm wood, if no other acceptable means of disposal is available.Burning Leaves and Other Materials Is Prohibited• Brush, trees, cane and driftwood from commercial and/or industrial land clearing operations.• Grass, hay, leaves, stumps, and tires.• Construction material and debris.

How to Safely Ignite and Tend the Fire: An adult should always be present during open burning. Children and pets should be kept a safe distance away. Use paper and kindling to start the fire and add progressively larger pieces of wood Parts of a discarded Christmas tree can be used. Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start a fire because the risk of personal injury is high. Burn one small pile of material at a time and slowly add to it. This helps to keep the fire from getting out of control. Select a burn location away from any utility lines.

Fires Must Be Attended Until Extinguished

An adult must attend the fire until it is completely extinguished.

Have Fire Control Tools Handy

Have fire extinguishing materials on hand including a water supply, shovels and rakes. The water supply can be a pressurized water fire extinguisher, a pump can or a garden hose. Test the water source before igniting the fire. You do not want to find out that the water is off or that the hose is cracked when you need it.

Watch the Wind and Be Prepared to Extinguish All Open Burning

Be prepared to extinguish the fire if winds pick up or the weather changes. Use common sense. Don't wait for the fire department to contact you to say that it has become unsafe to burn. Most open burning gets out of control during a sudden wind change.

Call For Help Immediately

If a fire gets out of control, call the fire department immediately. Use the utmost caution to prevent injury to yourself and others or any fire damage to your home. People conducting illegal burning, or who allow a fire to get out of control, may be held liable for the costs of extinguishing the fire in addition to fines or imprisonment (M.G.L. c.48, s.13).

April is the Worst Month for Brush Fires

April is usually the worst month for brush fires. When the snow pack recedes, but before new growth emerges, last year's dead grass, leaves and wood are dangerous tinder. Winds also tend to be strong and unpredictable in April.

Prevent Wildfires By Burning During Wet Snowy Conditions

Prevent permit fires from becoming wildland fires by burning early in the season. Wet and snowy winter conditions hinder the rapid spread of fire on or under the ground. Weather conditions and increased fire danger in spring can lead to many days when burning is not allowed.

Alternatives to Open Burning
Open burning releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, other gases, and solid substances directly into
the air, which can contribute to respiratory problems. Disposal of natural materials is never as good for
the environment as using them again in a different form. Tree limbs, brush and other forestry debris
can be chipped or composted into landscaping material. Check with your local public works or highway
department; many have chippers at the municipal recycling center or transfer station and will process debris from homeowners.

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