The 1st time each season you wish to burn, you must come into fire station to complete an open burning application (PDF). Each time after that, you can simply call the fire station each time you wish to burn.

Applications may be downloaded and completed prior to arriving at the fire station or you may complete the application once at the fire station.

Payments

There is also a one time fee of $10 for each open burning permit. Please note that the Department no longer accepts cash. Checks may be made payable to The Town of Middleton. The open burning rules are listed below.

Rules Governing Open Burning (527 CMR 10.22)

• Burning season is January 15th to April 30th. Call 978-774-2466 after 9:30 a.m. for permission to burn on any day.
• Burning may be conducted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Fires must be completely extinguished by 4 p.m.
• Only brush may be burned. Burning leaves, hay, stumps, rubbish, tires and building materials is strictly prohibited.
• Fires must be a minimum of 75 feet from any dwelling.
• Brush must be burned on land proximate to where it is cut.
• Keep piles small and have a garden hose and/or shovel available, to control fire.
• Someone must attend the fire at all times until it is extinguished.
• Open burning is allowed for agricultural purposes only. Burning for commercial land clearing is prohibited.
• Burning will not be permitted when wind will be 15 mph or more.

Note: Any violation of these rules may result in the suspension of this permit and/or court action.