Open Burning
The State allows open burning starting January 15th through May 1st each year. Open burning is regulated by the DEP and Southampton fire department. State DEP web link provided below.
We now allow burning seven (7) days a week given favorable weather conditions. You may purchase a permit 7 days a week, daytime hours, at the station given staff availability. (We are not available during fire calls, ambulance calls, inspections or chores that require us to leave the building).
On Saturday we have members dedicated to issuing burning permits from 8AM-11AM
We offer a $25.00 season burning permit and a $10 dollar two-consecutive day permit. Each must be authorized the day you burn by a Southampton firefighter. It is not acceptable to leave a message on answering machine.
The State only allows burning on certain days when the atmospheric conditions are suitable to reduce pollution. This determination is done by the State daily and Southampton FD will pass along that information each day coupled with local concerns as needed.
Checks should be made out to the Town of Southampton.
Open burning is regulated by the State of Massachusetts, click on the link below to learn more
UNDERSTANDING FIRE DANGER
Class 5 day - Extreme - Fires start quickly, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Development into high intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than in very high fire danger class. Every fire that is started has the potential to become large. Expect extreme, erratic behavior. NO OUTDOOR BURNING SHOULD TAKE PLACE IN AREAS WITH EXTREME FIRE BEHAVIOR. Fire restrictions are generally in effect on a class 5 day.
Class 4 day - Very High - Fires start easily from all causes and immediately after ignition spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. Spot fires are a constant danger. Fires burning in light fuels may quickly develop high intensity characteristics such as long distance spotting and fire whirlwinds when they burn in heavier fuels. Both suppression and mop-up will require an extended and very thorough effort. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Fire restrictions may be in effect.
Class 3 - High - All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended brush and camp fires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small. Outdoor burning should be restricted to early and late evening hours.
Class 2 day - Moderate - Fires can start from most accidental causes, but with the exception of lightning fires in some areas, the number of starts is generally low. Expect moderate flame length and rate of spread. Short distance spotting may occur, but is not persistent. Fires are not likely to become serious and control is relatively easy. Although controlled burning can be done without creating a hazard, routine caution should be taken.
Class 1 day - Low - Fuels do not ignite readily from small firebrands although a more intense heat source, such as lightning may start fires in duff or punky wood. Weather and fuel conditions will lead to slow fire spread, low intensity and relatively easy control with light mop-up. There is little danger of spotting. Controlled burns can usually be executed with reasonable safety.
RED FLAG WARNING - A short term, temporary warning indicating the presence of dangerous combinations of temperature, wind, relative humidity, fuel or drought conditions which can contribute to new fires or rapid spread of existing fires. Can be issued at any Fire Danger level.