Published in the February 1, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield Fire Department has announced that the annual open burning season will continue from now until Sunday, May 1, 2016. Open burning is allowed each year by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and supervised by the local municipal fire departments.
In order to burn in the open during this period, residents must obtain a permit from the Wakefield Fire Department. To obtain a permit:
1) Residents call the Fire Department at 781-246-6432
after 7:30 a.m. to obtain a permit. There is no charge for an open burning permit. (Residents do NOT need to visit the Public Safety Building)
2) Permits are issued for two (2) consecutive days; however, should the resident desire to burn on the second day, he/she must call the Fire Department at 781-246-6432 to confirm that burning is being allowed.
3) The Wakefield Fire Department reserves the right to revoke any or all permits if weather conditions are unfavorable to safe burning or if the resident is found not to be following the rules for burning. There will be no burning on any date that the state prohibits it.
The Rules and Regulations for burning are as follows:
• Burning must be at least 75 feet from all structures.
• Burning must be carried out between 10 a.m. and
4 p.m.
• Burning must take place on land closest to the source of the material being burned.
• The fire must be attended until it is completely extinguished. No fires will be left smoldering at the end of the day.
• A water supply such as a hose or water pump can and shovels/rakes for controlling the fire must be available.
• Materials that can be burned under state regulations include brush, cane, driftwood, tree pruning and other forestry. Materials PROHIBITED from burning include grass, leaves, hay, stumps, building materials and trees.
The Wakefield Fire Department asks for the co-operation of all residents in order to ensure that the 2016 Open Burning Season is safe and convenient for all.
