It’s that most wonderful time of the year–open burning season! Starting Sunday, January 15 and running through May 1, you can let out your inner pyro and toast up your extraneous yard waste. Here’s the catch: you need a permit, not to mention a clue about how to manage your burn. Also bear in mind that not everything can or should burn–painted wood is not a good plan unless you like to be poisoned by toxic fumes, know that evergreen needles are highly combustible, and never ever try to burn evidence because as far as I can tell from Tacoma Fire, it never works out in your favor. When is Season 4, anyway? And where is Ted Lasso Season 3? Why am I being diverted?

Ahem. In Weston, you MUST obtain a burning permit online (see link). Once you have filled it out , you’ll be emailed with a copy of your permit, permit number and a copy of the rules and regulations.

Please note that even after getting your permit, you MUST call 781-786-6101 on each day you wish to burn and receive permission to burn that day. The Fire Department monitors the weather conditions daily and makes a decision each morning whether or not burning will be allowed. Helpful hint: if there is a Nor’Easter here, don’t make a call–you can’t burn that day.

Also note that you may not burn stuff on Conservation land. That will not get you a permit but rather a visit from the Forest Warden. Yes, we have one. If you have questions about Open Burning, call our fabulous Weston Fire Department at 781-786-6101.