Print
Share page with AddThis

Burn Permits

Open Air Burning Season is from January 15th to May 1st

Directions
 
  • Applicant must complete the form online at https://massfire.net/brush/winchendon.php or in person at the Winchendon Fire Station and pay a fee of $10.00 (check or money order only payable to the Town of Winchendon or online payment accepted)
  • Permission to burn must be obtained each day.  Permission is obtained by calling the Winchendon Fire Department at 978-297-6346. (NO phone calls before 9:00 AM)
  • The permit is non-transferable.  A change in address needs a new permit.
Regulations
 
  • Permits issued to property owners only.
  • Permits must be available for inspection by fire service personnel upon request.
  • Permission to burn must be obtained each day.  Burning is conducted at the discretion of the Winchendon Fire Department and may or may not be allowed; depending on weather conditions.
  • No burning is allowed for commercial or institutional purposes.
  • Burning is permitted from 10 AM to 4 PM.  All fires must be extinguished by 4 PM.
  • No permits will be issued after 12 PM.
  • Permit holder is to be in constant attendance until the fire is completely extinguished.
  • Fire must be a minimum of 75 feet from any building.
  • Only the burning of brush, branches, cane, driftwood and forest debris that is on the land closest to the source of material to be burned is allowed.  Burning of any building or construction materials of any kind is prohibited.
  • The use of gasoline, white fuel or tires to start or maintain fires is prohibited.
  • Burning of grass, hay, leaves, stumps, tires or rubbish is prohibited.
  • Nuisance smoke may be cause for revocation of your permit.
  • Permit holder must be in control of the fire at all times & have sufficient fire suppression resources available for the location, size, of the fire and weather conditions.  (Failure to control the fire may result in fines and/or fire department fees to put the fire out.  Violation of MGL Ch. 48:13 "shall be punished by a fine of $500.00 plus the cost of suppression or by imprisonment not more than one month or both".)
  • This permit does not release the holder of any holder of any liability associated with open burning and may be cancelled or revoked at any time by the Fire Chief or his designee.