May 1 is the Last Day for Open Burning in Massachusetts

If you're a Massachusetts resident who plans on taking advantage of the open burning season, you should know that today (5/1) is the final day of the season in Massachusetts.

When is Open Burning Season in Massachusetts?

The open burning season runs for quite a few months, as the season begins on January 15. Open burning is allowed between 10 am and 4 pm. According to Mass.gov, within this period, you can burn the following:

Brush, cane, driftwood and forestry debris (but not from commercial or industrial land clearing)
Agricultural materials, including fruit tree and bush prunings, raspberry stalks, and infected bee hives for disease control.
Trees and brush from agricultural land clearing
Fungus-infected elm wood, if no other acceptable means of disposal is available

There's also a list of items that you can't burn during the open burning season, which includes the following:

Leaves
Brush, trees, cane or driftwood from commercial or industrial land clearing
Grass, hay, leaves, stumps or tires
Construction materials or demolition debris
Household trash

Why Doesn't Massachusetts Allow Open Burning Beyond May 1?

The main reason why Open Burning Season ends on May 1 in Massachusetts is to prevent the risk of wildfires. With dry, windy air in the warmer months, there's a greater risk for these fires to occur.

Permit Required for Open Burning Season in Massachusetts

You should also know that to participate in open burning, you must have a permit from your local fire department, and burning must be performed at least 75 feet from all dwellings.