The unseasonably warm weather so far this year has Ipswich residents out in their yards burning nearly a year’s worth of brush and forestry debris.
The Ipswich Fire Department reports that applications for open burning in the first two weeks of the year are up 50 percent from the same period last year. The open burning season began on January 15 and runs through May 1. Qualified properties can get agricultural permits that last throughout the year.
“It seems people are eager to take advantage of the milder weather this January and get to clearing their properties”, said Fire Chief Paul Parisi. “Also, word has gotten around about the convenience of applying for and activating permits online.” The Fire Department introduced online application and activation in 2020. Both can be done at www.ipswichfire.org. A permit costs $10 for the season.
Burning on any given day during the season can be done between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as long as conditions are favorable. The Fire Department decides each day whether burning is safe, based on the day’s environmental conditions. Massachusetts Environmental Protection rules prohibit outdoor burning when it’s raining, as the smoke tends to hang low and can be irritating to those with respiratory illness. Conversely, high winds or extended periods of low humidity can make even small outdoor fires potentially dangerous.
“If it’s too windy or dry, things can get out of control really fast,” Chief Parisi said.
- Strict rules are also in place to ensure safe burning:
- Only brush, trees and tree trimming, and other forestry debris may be burned. The burning of grass, leaves, inorganic material or construction debris is strictly prohibited.
- Fires must be at least 75 feet from any dwelling.
- Someone must attend the fire at all times with a hose, rake and shovel to keep the fire small and manageable.
- Use of gasoline or other accelerants is strictly prohibited.
Violation of these rules can result in revocation of the property owner’s permit, or even a fine. Chief Parisi said that several times each year, the Fire Department is dispatched to a property where burning has gotten out of control, threatening structures and vehicles.
“It’s great that Ipswich citizens can dispose of brush and fallen branches this way,” said Chief Parisi, noting that many communities in Massachusetts do not allow any open burning. “But it needs to be done in a responsible way. As always, the safety of our citizens and their property is our main focus.”
Anyone with questions about open burning can contact the Ipswich Fire Prevention office at 978-356- 6631, or email fireprev@ipswichfire.org.