Open Burning in Massachusetts is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and enforced by the local Fire Department. Open burning season runs from Jan 15 – May 1, 2012. A valid permit obtained from the local fire department is required. The Fire Chief reserves the right to deny open burning on any day due to weather or environmental conditions.
The fee for an open burning permit is $10/year.
If you provide us with an email when you apply for your permit, you should receive an email with your new permit number. Please be aware the email will come frommkpay@mkat.com.
Obtaining a Permit for Open Burning:
You can obtain your open burning permit in one of two ways:
1. Stop by the Harvard Town Hall during normal business hours. You will be issued a permit upon receipt of the $10 fee. (Make checks/money orders payable to the Town of Harvard). This permit will be valid through May 1, 2012 You will be assigned a permit number which will be required each time you activate it during the burning season.
Or
2. 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 1, 2012. You will be assigned a permit number which will be required each time you activate it during the burning season.
Daily Activation of Your Permit:
Each day you wish to burn, you must activate your permit. This can be done in one of two ways:
1. Call the Harvard Dispatch Center at 978-456-1212 between the hours of 9:00 am and 1 pm the day you wish to burn. You will be asked for your permit number. Please have this number handy when you call.
Or
2. Click Here to log into our online daily permit activation page. Click on this link after 9:00 am. If burning is allowed, you will need to input and submit your permit number. If you use this online activation, you do not need to call the dispatch center.
If you pick up your permit at the Town Hall, as long as you provide a valid email address you can activate your permit daily through the online activation page.
Any questions on open burning should be directed to Chief Rick Sicard (rsicard@harvard.ma.us) or 978-456-3648. |
