By state regulation, open burning will begin on January 15. Please keep in mind that weather conditions can change rapidly. If winds kick up or other atmospheric conditions change suddenly, making it unsafe to burn, permits can be rescinded (cancelled).
The open burning must be a minimum of 75 feet from all buildings and must be conducted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and must take place on the land closest to the source of material to be burned, according to Department of Environmental Protection regulations (310 CMR DEP 7.07).
People conducting illegal burning, or who allow a fire to get out of control, may be held liable for costs of extinguishing a fire, fined, and even imprisoned (MGL c.48 s.13).
The Ipswich Fire Department can now start issuing burning permits. In order to burn a permit must be obtained from the fire department. Permits are issued Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The open burning permit is valid for the entire open burning season season which ends on May 1st. Cost of the permit is $10, payable by check made out to the Ipswich Fire Department or by cash. If paying by cash, you must have the exact dollar amount.
