The Open Burning Season commences on January 15th and concludes on May 1st of each year.

During the Open Burning Season, a permit must be obtained from the Harvard Fire Department.  The Fire Chief reserves the right to deny open burning on any day due to weather or environmental conditions.


The fee for a resident open burning permit is $10/season. Open burning in Massachusetts is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and enforced by the Harvard Fire Department.


Obtaining a Permit for Open Burning


You can obtain your open burning permit in one of two ways:


1. Click Here to obtain your permit by filling out the form online.  To obtain your permit online, you will need a valid credit card, email address, agree to the terms and conditions of the open burning regulations, and pay the $10 fee online.  This permit will be valid through May 1st of each year. You will be assigned a permit number which will be required each time you activate it during the burning season.


 Or


2.  For persons with limited computer access, permits can be purchased at the Harvard Police Station (40 Ayer Road) Tuesday-Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday, 7:30 am to 11:30 am.


MANDATORY Daily Activation of Your Permit:


Each day you wish to burn, you must activate your permit.

To activate your permit, call (351) 333-5090 after 8:00 am.  

No permits will be allowed to be activated after 12:00 pm.

 

For tips on safer open burning, please see: https://vimeo.com/312029381