Burning Permits

This year the Monterey Fire Department will be using an online application for burning permits. They will be available from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm daily, because of DEP regulations, when weather conditions allow for open burning. The DEP requires fires to be started after 10:00 am and be extinguished by 4:00 pm for air quality purposes.

To obtain a permit go to the website, read the regulations, and follow the section titled “How to obtain a permit”. If you cannot obtain a permit online, you can call (413) 445-4550. This is also only available from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Make sure you print out your permit and keep it with you when burning.

  • You may only burn brush, no leaves, grass, hay , stumps, building debris or any other material
  • All open burning must be a minimum of 75 feet from a building or structure
  • Burning is allowed from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm only
  • Any open fire must be attended at all times by the permit holder
  • No person shall set, maintain, or increase a fire in open air except by permit issued by the Fire Department
  • You must be 18 years or older to apply for a permit and tend the fire
  • You must have a means  to extinguish an open fire completely at the end of the day or if requested by the Fire Department
  • The Fire Department can refuse or cancel a permit at any time
  • Open burning season is from January 15 to May 1