Permits for open burning are available on a daily basis starting
January 15th through May 1st (brush season may end early if conditions are dry).
TO OBTAIN A PERMIT:
Residents may obtain a permit online by visiting www.holdenma.gov and then proceed to Town Departments section. From there, choose Fire Department and open the link to Open Burning Information. Follow instructions to apply online. The online permits are $23 for the season.
Individuals may also obtain brush burning permits by applying in person at Fire Headquarters located at 1370 Main Street, Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. If applying in person, permits are $20.
RESIDENTS MAY BEGIN BRUSH BURNING AT 10:00 AM, and can do so without a site inspection from the Fire Department. HOWEVER, FIRE PERSONNEL WILL BE CONDUCTING SPOT CHECKS DAILY THROUGHOUT THE BRUSH SEASON! If the site is deemed unsafe for brush burn, or if burning illegally, the permit will be revoked immediately and for the duration of the season.
In the event there is a dry spring or weather is not acceptable for burning, permits may be canceled and a Red Flag Warning will be in affect.
Q: What does a red flag warning mean?
A: A Red Flag warning is determined by the state due to dry conditions and/or heavy winds as a potent combination that could lead to fast-spreading brush fires.
1. THE PERSON HOLDING A PERMIT SHALL HAVE SUFFICIENT MANPOWER AND FIRE CONTROLLING EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE ALL DURING THE FIRE. THE PERMIT HOLDER SHALL BE LIABLE FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT COSTS IN THE EVENT OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE PERMIT FIRE.
2. A PERMIT DOES NOT RELEASE THE HOLDER FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE.
3. A PERMIT IS VALID FOR THE DATE OF ISSUE ONLY.
4. IN CASE OF WINDS IN EXCESS OF 15 MILES PER HOUR OR OTHERWISE DANGEROUS CONDITIONS A PERMIT SHALL BE INVALID.
5. A PERMIT IS NOT VALID FOR THE BURNING OF STUMPS OR BRANCHES IN EXCESS OF 4 INCHES IN DIAMETER.
6. THE FIRE SHALL BE ON LAND PROXIMATE TO THE PLACE OF GENERATION OF SUCH MATERIAL, AND NO CLOSER THAN 75 FEET TO ANY BUILDING.
7. NO BURNING TAKES PLACE BEFORE 10:00 AM AND MUST BE COMPLETELY OUT BY 4:00 PM.
8. SMOKE MINIMIZING STARTER SHALL BE USED.
9. FIRE SHALL NOT BE LEFT UNATTENDED AT ANY TIME.
10. A PERMIT FIRE SHALL NOT CAUSE A NUISANCE.
11. A PERMIT SHALL BE SHOWN TO ANYONE WHO MAY REQUEST TO SEE IT.
12. A PERMIT MAY BE REVOKED BY PROPERLY IDENTIFIED PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ENFORCE THE ABOVE LAWS.
13. PERMITS FOR OPEN-AIR FIRES MAY BE ISSUED BETWEEN JANUARY 15 AND APRIL 30.
14. PERMITS ARE NOT VALID FOR LOT OR LAND CLEARING.
15. THE STATUTE SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITS THE BURNING OF GRASS, HAY AND LEAVES.
16. ALSO PROHIBITED IS THE REDUCTION OF CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION MATERIALS.
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