TOWN OF WAKEFIELD

MASSACHUSETTS

FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS

ONE UNION STREET
WAKEFIELD, MA 01880
MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN
FIRE CHIEF
(781) 246-6435

FIRE PREVENTION
FAX: (781) 246-6433
EMAIL-msullivan@wakefield.ma.us

(781) 246-6435

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
FIRE CHIEF MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN @ 781-246-6435
The Wakefield Fire Department announced today that the annual open burning season started
on Thursday, January 15, 2015 and continue until Friday, May 1, 2015. 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 AM 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.

TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
MASSACHUSETTS

FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS

ONE UNION STREET
WAKEFIELD, MA 01880
MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN
FIRE CHIEF
(781) 246-6435

FIRE PREVENTION
FAX: (781) 246-6433
EMAIL-msullivan@wakefield.ma.us

(781) 246-6435

The Rules and Regulations for burning are as follows:

1. Burning must be at least 75 feet from all structures.
2. Burning must be carried out between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
3. Burning must take place on land closest to the source of the material being burned.
4. The fire must be attended until it is completely extinguished. No fires will be left
smoldering at the end of the day.
5. A water supply such as a hose or water pump can, and shovels / rakes for
controlling the fire must be available.
6. 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 2015 Open Burning Season is safe and convenient for all.