Open Burning Allowed from January 15 until May 1

Chief Michael Dwyer announces that residents will be able to apply for 2022 open burning season permits beginning January 1, 2022.

Starting Jan 1, 2022, residents will be able to apply for open burning permits online through the “Pay Bills” portal on the town’s website as well as in-person at the West Newbury Public Safety Building, 401 Main St. Permits are $5 online and $10 in-person. Online permits will also have a transaction fee $0.50 for eChecks and at least $1 for credit or debit cards. More details about the transaction fees are posted on the town’s website. Though residents will be able to apply for permits, open burning seasoning does not start until Jan. 15, 2022.

Residents are strongly encouraged to apply for and activate permits online in order to limit the amount of foot traffic in the Public Safety Building and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Those who wish to apply for a permit in person must wear a face mask or covering both inside and outside of the building and should practice social distancing.

The Commonwealth’s annual burning period spans from Jan. 15 to May 1. Residents are able to burn brush, cane, driftwood, tree pruning and other forestry with a permit granted by their fire department. Open burning will not be allowed in West Newbury during periods of extremely dry and windy conditions.