Fire Department Halts New Permits and Existing Open-Air Burning Activities Across City
The City of Cambridge has suspended all open-air burning permits effective immediately as worsening environmental conditions increase the risk of rapidly spreading fires across the community.
The Cambridge Fire Department announced on July 16, 2026, that all open-air burning permits issued within the city are temporarily suspended until further notice. The department said the decision was made to protect residents, properties, infrastructure, and natural areas amid elevated fire risks caused by current weather conditions.
No new open-air burning permits will be issued while the suspension remains in effect. Officials are urging residents to avoid all unauthorized burning activities and follow safety measures designed to reduce the possibility of accidental fires.
Elevated Fire Risk Prompts Immediate Safety Measures
According to the Cambridge Fire Department, current environmental conditions have created circumstances where fires could spread quickly, increasing potential dangers for residents, emergency responders, and surrounding areas.
The suspension applies to all open-air burning permits previously issued by the department. Residents are being asked not to burn brush, yard waste, or any other materials during the temporary restriction.
The department emphasized that the suspension is a precautionary measure intended to reduce preventable fire incidents during a period of heightened vulnerability.
“Current environmental conditions increase the potential for fires to spread rapidly and create hazards for residents, firefighters, and the community,” the department said.
Residents Urged to Avoid Non-Essential Outdoor Burning Activities
While the city’s by-law exemption for small, supervised cooking fires on barbecues or grills remains in place, the Cambridge Fire Department is strongly encouraging residents to avoid non-essential outdoor cooking activities while fire conditions remain elevated.
Residents who choose to use outdoor cooking appliances are being advised to take additional precautions, including keeping ignition sources away from combustible materials and ensuring that cooking equipment is continuously monitored.
The department said residents should exercise extreme caution when using any outdoor heat source during the suspension period, as dry conditions and changing weather patterns can increase the likelihood of fire emergencies.
Cambridge Burning Regulations Remain in Effect Under City By-Law
The suspension follows regulations established under City of Cambridge By-law 313-86, which requires approval from the Fire Chief or designate for all open-air fires.
Under the by-law, any open-air burning permit issued by the city may be cancelled by the Fire Chief or designate when conditions require additional safety measures. Residents are reminded that once a permit has been cancelled, burning activities must immediately stop.
The city said compliance with the temporary suspension is essential to maintaining public safety and reducing unnecessary risks for emergency crews responding to potential fire incidents.
Fire Department Monitoring Conditions Before Lifting Suspension
The Cambridge Fire Department will continue monitoring weather conditions and fire risk levels before determining when open-air burning activities can safely resume.
Officials said the suspension will remain in place until conditions improve and the risk level decreases enough to allow permits and burning activities to restart safely.
Residents looking for updates regarding the status of the open-air burning suspension are encouraged to check the City of Cambridge website and follow official city communication channels for the latest information.
The department said residents’ cooperation during the suspension period will play an important role in helping protect the community, local infrastructure, and surrounding natural areas from preventable fire hazards.