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4) Agricultural Burning Rules and Regulations

 

  • Cost is $20.00 & the permit is good for one year
  • You must contact Fire Prevention to recieve a special code to allow the transaction to be completed prior to going to the next step
  • Click the following link. https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/?key=boxford.ma.us  Click Fire Department and choose "Agricultural Burning Permit". Complete the form and submit.
  • You must call 978-887-8137 to activate your permit every day that you desire to burn                              

 

Agricultural Burning Permits are available for residents of Boxford that fall under the guidelines of Mass General Law; Chapter 128 Section 1A, Mass General Law; Chapter 111 Section 142L, and also Mass DEP 310 CMR 7.07.  Please see the following information to see if you are eligible to request an Agricultural Burning Permit in the Town of Boxford.  Do not hesitate to reach out to Fire Prevention with any questions and also be prepared to explain your type of farming that will be associated with your permit.

malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIX/Chapter128/Section1A

malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXVI/Chapter111/Section142L

www.mass.gov/doc/general-prohibitions-agricultural-burning-fire-training-policy/download

 

Rules & Regulations

Burning is allowed only on the property listed on the permit.

  • You can activate your permit via the Communication Dep. 978-887-8137
  • Fires can be ignited between 2 hours after sunrise and noon.
  • Fires must be extinguished 100% by 4:00PM (remember to pull your pile apart). Burning after 4:00PM is prohibited.
  • Fires must be at least 75 feet from any structure including sheds.
  • Fires must be attended at all times by an adult.
  • Participants must have a water supply such as a pressurized water can, garden hose, and shovels or rakes nearby.
  • In case of high winds or otherwise dangerous conditions, this permit is invalid as provided by law.
  • This permit does not release party from liability for damages.
  • The Fire Department reserves the right to revoke any permit for non-compliance.

How to Safely Ignite the Fire

  • Fires should be started by an adult. Remember to keep children away at a safe distance.
  • Remember to set up all hoses (with running water) and other tools before starting your fire.
  • Use paper and kindling to start the fire with common match or lighter. Pieces from an old Christmas tree or fire-starting logs can also be good sources to help start a fire. After the fire begins to grow, slowly add additional material.
  • Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start a fire.

Common Fire Control Tools

  • Pressurized water source such as garden hose or water can.
  • Rakes
  • Shovels
  • Fire extinguisher

Reminders

  • Remember to wear appropriate clothing. You should have boots/shoes, long sleeve shirt and long pants.
  • Please extinguish your fire if the winds pick up or weather changes. Use common sense and don't wait for the fire department to contact you that it has become unsafe to burn. Sudden wind change is how most open burning gets out of control.
  • Don't delay a call for help. Call 911 immediately if your fire spreads or you need first aid.
  • Anyone conducting illegal burning, or who allow the fire to get out of control may be held liable for costs of extinguishing the fire, fined or even imprisoned (Mass General Law Chapter 48 Section13)

April is the cruelest month

  • April is usually the worst month for brush fires. When the snow pack recedes, before new growth emerges, last year's dead grass, leaves and wood are dangerous tinder. Winds also tend to be stronger and more unpredictable during April. Burning earlier in the season during winter months can avoid fire spread.

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.