Obtaining a Permit
In order to burn, you must obtain a burn permit. Please go to the Town of Rowley website at https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/?key=rowley.ma.us. Then, on the left side of the screen click on “Fire Department” to purchase a permit. Burn permits are currently free.
If you do not have access to a computer or need assistance, please call (978) 948-3812 between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm.
Activating Your Permit
Burn permits must be activated on the day you wish to burn. Online permit activation begins January 15th. Please follow the same directions listed above to access online permit activation.
Open Burning Rules (310 CMR 7.07)
- Burning season is January 15 to April 30.
- Burning may be conducted between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Fires must be completely extinguished by 4:00 pm.
- Only brush may be burned. Burning of leaves, hay, stumps, rubbish, tires, and building materials is prohibited.
- Fires must be a minimum of 75′ from any dwelling.
- Brush must be burned on land proximate to where it is cut.
- Keep fires small and have a garden hose and/or shovel available to control the 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.
ANY VIOLATION OF THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN THE SUSPENSION OF THIS PERMIT AND/OR COURT ACTION.
Burning may be prohibited if weather conditions are poor.
For more information please visit the mass.gov website for Safety Tips for Open Burning Season.