Crime & Safety

Open Burning Season Underway, Permits Available From Woburn Fire

Open burning season runs from Jan. 15 to May 1 in most of Massachusetts.

WOBURN, MA — Open burning season is underway in Woburn, Fire Chief Stephen Adgate said in an announcement Monday. To participate in open burning, you must get a permit from the fire department, by calling their non-emergency dispatch number, 781-932-4560. State fire wardens decide each day whether burning is allowed, based on weather and air quality.

Open burning can be done between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at least 75 feet from buildings. Contact the MassDEP Air Quality Hotline at (800) 882-1497 or visit MassAir Online to determine if burning is permitted. Details on what can be burned are available here, from Adgate's announcement. Household trash cannot be burned.

"Put the fire out if winds pick up or the weather changes. Use common sense. Don’t wait for the fire department to tell you that it has become unsafe to burn," the state advises. "Most fires get out of control during sudden wind changes. If the fire gets out of control, call the fire local department right away to prevent personal injury and property damage."

Find out what's happening in Woburnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Residents can face fines or jail time for illegal burning or letting a fire get out of control.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.

Find out what's happening in Woburnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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