TO OBTAIN AN OPEN BURNING PERMIT: Residents must request an Open Burning Permit in person at the Southwick Fire Department Administration Office, Monday - Friday, 8:15 am to 12:00 noon and for Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 8:15 am to 12:00 noon at the Southwick Police Department.
REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILETIES: Open burning, the burning of any material out-of-doors, releases large amounts of carbon monoxide and other gaseous and solid substances directly into the atmosphere. Open burning causes air pollution and aggravates respiratory problems. Under poor atmospheric conditions open burning creates a smoke and odor nuisance - as well as a health threat - to area residents, especially in densely populated areas. For these reasons, open burning is restricted in Massachusetts.
YOU MUST POSSESS A VALID PERMIT FOR OPEN BURNING.
BURNING (WITH A PERMIT) OF THE FOLLOWING MATERIAL IS ALLOWED:
*brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris from other than commercial or industrial land clearing operations between January 15 to May 1, under the following conditions:
*burning must be at least 75 feet from all dwellings,
*burning must be carried out between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM,
*burning must take place on the land closest to the source of the material to be burned,
*burning must be conducted during periods of good atmospheric ventilation and without causing a nuisance as determined by DEP air quality control division.
GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING OPEN BURNING:
Starting the fire:
*before placing material to be burned in an area, remove all grass.
*before burning brush, dry by cutting in advance or covering.
*Start the fire using either small amounts of kerosene, #2 fuel (NO GASOLINE), or a pressurized burner which uses diesel fuel.
While burning:
Someone must attend the fire until completely extinguished. Have available a water supply, such as a pressurized water pump can or hose, and shovels or rakes for controlling the fire.
Extinguishing the fire.
Burn the fire down to coals and spread the coals with snow, water, sand or soil.
BURNING OF THE FOLLOWING MATERIAL IS PROHIBITED STATEWIDE:
-brush, trees, cane and driftwood from commercial and/or institutional land clearing operations.
-grass, hay, leaves and stumps.
-tires.
ALSO PROHIBITED IS:
-stacking, placing, or storing combustible material such that the Department may presume that it will be burned.
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