Beach Fires

The Massachusetts Fire Safety Code (527 CMR 1.00) and Massachusetts General Law both address open fires.  Permits are not necessary for cooking fires that occur on private property under these regulations.  For this reason, “Beach Fire Permits” will no longer be issued by the Brewster Fire Department.

A private beach property owner, visitor to the private property, or owner or visitor of property within an association that allows beach fires may choose to have a cooking fire on the beach under the following conditions:

1. The fire is limited to the purpose of cooking.  Bonfires are not allowed.
2. The fire must be small and manageable, no greater than 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet in height.
3. The property owner is present or the person conducting the cooking fire demonstrates permission from the owner or property owner’s association to have a cooking fire.
4. The fire/smoke does not pose a nuisance to others or a hazard to any adjacent structure.
5. The fire is to be built on the beach below the mean high-tide line.
6. No fires are allowed in the dunes.
7. The fire is not to be left un-attended at any time.
8. The fire is to be completely extinguished and the area cooled with water.  Do not cover the fire with sand to extinguish.
9. All remains of the fire and any trash or personal articles must be completely removed from the beach.