The Open Burning Season in Massachusetts runs from January 15 through May 1. In accordance with Massachusetts law, all residents and community members must obtain or renew their burn permit each year to comply with state and local regulations.

Open burning during this period is governed by the following regulations: 

•  Issuance of permit by local fire department
• Only permitted between 10 AM and 4 PM daily (no permits issued after 1 PM)
• Must be 75 feet from any building or structure
• Constant attendance and supervision

To obtain a burn permit, visit the Town of Dracut Permitting Website | Viewpoint or contact the Fire Department directly. After applying for a permit, call the Dracut Fire Department at (978) 454-2113 each day you plan to burn and provide your permit number. There is no fee for the permit. 

Residents are specifically allowed to burn the following:

•  Brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris
• Agricultural materials, including fruit tree and bush pruning, raspberry stalks, and infected beehives
• Trees and brush from agricultural land clearing
• Fungus-infected elm wood, if no other acceptable means of disposal are available

Residents are prohibited from burning the following:

• Leaves of any origin
• Brush, cane, trees, or driftwood obtained from commercial or industrial land clearing
• Grass, hay, tree stumps, or tires
• Construction or demolition materials
• Household trash of any type

Please note that due to extremely dry conditions last fall, brush and wildfires have occurred across the state. Residents are urged to exercise caution and use sound judgment during the open burning season. Those found to be in violation of open burning policies can face large fines and potential jail time. Local fire departments also reserve the right to deny any resident a permit due to hazardous weather conditions or other non-permitting circumstances. 

Additional information on Open Burning Safety | Mass.gov

In case of emergency, please call 911.