Online Application for Open Burning Permits
Franklin County, Massachusetts

Permits are only issued between 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Previously, burning permits were available beginning at 7:30 AM. The time change was necessary to comply with Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection air quality regulations.

Background

Massachusetts allows residents to burn brush between January 15 and May 1, depending on weather conditions. You must obtain permission from the town or fire district in which you plan to burn brush. Many towns in Franklin County offer burning permits through this system. The permits are free of charge, but availability depends on weather conditions.

Regulations

You may only burn BRUSH! All other materials are illegal. No leaves, grass, hay, stumps, building debris or any other materials are allowed to be burned.
All open burning must be a minimum of 75 feet from buildings or structures.
Burning will be allowed to start at 10:00am and must be extinguished by 4pm.
Any open fire must be attended at all times by the permit holder.
No person shall set, maintain or increase a fire in open air at any time except by permission.
You must be 18 years or older to apply for permit and/or set, maintain or increase fire once permission has been granted by the Fire Department.
You must have an appropriate means to extinguish an open air fire completely at the end of the day or if requested by the Fire Department.
The Fire Department can refuse or cancel a permit at any time. (Example: Violation of permit regulations, or change in weather conditions.)
Open burning season is January 15 - May 1.
Massachusetts Regulation 310 CMR: DEP 7.07 "Open Burning"
More information from the Massachusetts DEP.

How to obtain a permit

For most towns in Franklin County

Obtain a permit online using this system or call the Franklin County Dispatcher. Permits are available during the burning season, subject to weather conditions.

You must have internet access and a valid email address to use this system. If you cannot use the online system, please call the Franklin County Dispatcher (Shelburne Control) at (413) 625-8200. The dispatcher can also issue burning permits.

The following towns that do not offer permits online

Greenfield, Turners Falls, Erving, Hawley, Monroe, Wendell, and Orange do not currently offer online permits.

Greenfield
See City of Greenfield Brush Burning Permits. You must apply in person at the Greenfield Town Hall or the Greenfield Dispatch Center.

Turners Falls
Contact the Turners Falls Fire District at 413-863-9023.

Erving
Contact the Erving Fire Chief at 413-824-7189 or 413-824-8037.

Hawley
Contact the Hawley Fire Chief at 413-339-5526 or his assistants at 339-8650 or 339-5592.

Monroe
Contact the Monroe Fire Chief at 413-424-5272.

Wendell
Contact the Wendell Fire Department at 978-544-3500.

Orange
Contact the Town of Orange Fire Department for more information.

Questions? Email fcburnpermits@gmail.com.