Online applications and payment are preferred. For residents without internet access you may obtain a permit by mailing a completed application along with a check or money order made out to the Town of Halifax
for $25. Completed applications and payments may also be dropped off at the Fire Department front desk, 438 Plymouth Street, in the designated drop box.
You Will Not Receive a Physical Permit
To use your permit, you must call the open burning line at 781-293-1750 after 9 am for an automated message indicating if open burning is allowed by the Fire Marshall for that day. The Fire Department is not responsible for determining whether or not open burning is permitted.
The open burning line does not accept voicemail messages, so if you have questions or need further assistance, please call the Fire department at 781-293-1751 and request to speak with an on-duty staff member.
Understand the Law (M.G.L. Chapter 48 § 13)
Please familiarize yourself with state laws and regulations governing open burning. Illegal burning activity conducted by residents or any residents that allow a fire to get out of control may be held liable for any costs related to extinguishing a fire, issued fines, and may even face imprisonment under the provisions of Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 48 § 13.
General Guidelines
- Open burning must be conducted between 10 am and 4 pm and no new fires may be started after 2 pm. All files must be extinguished by 4 pm.
- All fires must be at least 75-feet from all buildings and have an adult present at all times during active burning.
- Fire control tools and a garden hose must be present during burning. Please be sure to test your water supply before igniting the fire to be sure it is working properly. The outside water must be turned on and there should be no cracks in the hose.
- You may burn brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris (but not from commercial or industrial land clearing), agricultural materials including fruit tree and brush prunings, raspberry stalks, and infected bee hives for disease control. You may burn trees and brush from agricultural land clearing and fungus-infected elm wood if no other acceptable means of disposal are available.
- You may NOT burn leaves, grass, hay, stumps, tires, construction materials, demolition debris, or household trash.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Please do not burn under tree limbs, utility lines, or other overhanging items.