SOUTHWICK – Throughout the commonwealth of Massachusetts, open burning season starts on January 15 and runs until May 1. Locally, every fire warden in their respective community has the right to allow, or not, open burning in their town or city.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, April is usually seen as the worst month for brush fires during open burning season. Similarly, Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson feels the same way from his experiences.
“The month of April becomes a more challenging month due to brush fires,” said Anderson.
Noting that it’s a combination of compounding problems, Anderson added that the high amount of winds that Western Massachusetts typically gets in early spring causes dead leaves to dry out. The dryness can cause brush fires to start.
Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson. (WNG File Photo)
It’s the impact of the high winds that Anderson wants the public to constantly be aware of when burning something in April.
“We typically see that they might have burned the day before and think their ashes were out,” said Anderson. “People need to make sure that when things are out, to make sure their out.”
Although the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services allows open burning until April, the fire officials in their communities have the right to stop open burning for a period of time if they feel there is a negative impact that’s occurring or will be occurring. But, Anderson said that he also wants Southwick residents to responsibly enjoy the freedom that they’re allowed to have with open burning.
“We do have the local authority to limit it, should there be a reason,” said Anderson. “We want people to take advantage, to be able to burn.”
Under the town of Southwick’s current regulations, open burning must take place only during the open burning season, be conducted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and happen at least 75 feet from all dwellings.
The following conditions are banned from being used for open burning:
– Leaves
– Brush, trees, cane or driftwood from commercial or industrial land clearing
– Grass, hay, leaves, stumps, or tires
– Construction materials or demolition debris
– Household trash
For any questions or comments to make about the open burning regulations in Southwick, contact the fire department at 413-569-6363.
