MAYNARD — Chief Angela Lawless and the Maynard Fire Department would like to remind residents of the following burn safety tips ahead of spring.
Open burning remains in effect until May 1. A burn permit is required to be in compliance with Massachusetts law.
Maynard residents can obtain a burn permit at maynard.firepermits.com.
Maynard Fire Department would like to share the following tips from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection:
- Keep children and pets a safe distance away from the fire.
- An adult should be present and actively tending to the fire until it is completely extinguished.
- Never use gasoline, kerosene or other flammable liquid as a fire starter.
- Burn one small pile of material at a time and slowly add to it to ensure the fire does not get out of control.
- Put the fire out if winds pick up or the weather changes. Most fires get out of control during sudden wind changes.
- Keep fire extinguishing materials handy. Materials should include a water supply, shovels and rakes.
- If the fire gets out of control, call 911 right away.
What times are best for open burning?
- You can help prevent wildland fires by burning early in the season. Wet and snowy winter conditions help hinder the rapid spread of fire on or under the ground.
- Changing weather conditions and increased fire danger in spring can lead to many days when open burning is not allowed.
- April is usually the worst month for brush fires. When snow recedes, but before new growth emerges, last year’s dead grass, leaves and wood are dangerous tinder. Winds also tend to be strong and unpredictable in April.
For more information about obtaining a burn permit in Maynard click here or call 978-897-1014.