Open Burning Season Begins This Sunday, January 15, 2023

Open burning will run from January 15 - May 1, 2023.  Washington residents and property owners must obtain a permit for open burning from the Fire Chief for each day they want to burn.  There are two options for obtaining a permit: 

• Call the Fire Chief's residence (413) 623-2185 and speak directly to the Chief or leave a message (listen to the entire message to be sure burning is being permitted for the day).  When leaving a message include name, address where you will be burning, and a contact phone number. 
• Log onto www.bcburnpermits.com and follow the directions that are listed.

Weather conditions, current and predicted, are part of the determining factors for permitting.  The MassDEP also makes a determination based on air quality.  Call the MassDEP Air Quality Hotline at (800) 882-1497 or visit MassAir Online to find out if the daily air quality is acceptable for burning.

Open burning must be done:

• Between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
• At least 75 feet from all buildings
• As close as possible to the source of the materials being burned
• When air quality is acceptable for burning
• Attended by an adult until completely extinguished 
• Extinguishment materials / tools must by onsite and useable 
• No hazardous materials 
• Use common sense and be safe 
• Call 911 immediately if fire gets out of control 

Paul Mikaniewicz 
Fire Chief 
Becket / Washington