The initial open burning ban within the jurisdiction of Ipswich was implemented by myself as the authority having jurisdiction. Input from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Department of Environmental Protection and local Director of the water department was taken into consideration. Under normal, non-emergency drought conditions, the allowing of open burning within the Massachusetts Code of Regulation has two prongs – approval of the authority having jurisdiction (local fire chief) and the Department of Environmental Protection. Below are some links that explain it in more detail:
http://public.dep.state.ma.us/MassAir/Pages/MapForecast.aspx?&ht=1&hi=108
http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/dfs/dfs-briefs/april-2016/9-public-education-firefactors-safety-tips-for-open-burning-season.pdf
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/air/quality/open-burning-answers-to-your-burning-questions.html
Currently there is no open burning in Massachusetts and I do not foresee this being changed until at least January 15, 2017. As always, open burning has to be 75 feet from any structure and an extinguishing device or a garden hose needs to be nearby and operable. The burning of leaves, grass and construction material is prohibited.
Gregory G. Gagnon
Chief of Department
Ipswich Fire Department
