Fire pit installation is a timeless trend in landscape design, but is a fire pit permit required for installation in Hingham, Massachusetts?

Whether sitting in solitude or entertaining family and friends, outdoor fire pit installation enhances your landscape design and adds ambiance otherwise lacking in most residential landscape design.

A fire pit offers more than just a visual spectacle; but serves a variety of purposes. Homeowners can cook with their fire pit, heat water, extend the outdoor season, and potentially increase their home value. 

While it’s easy to see why homeowners in Hingham are investing in outdoor fire pit installation, what’s less obvious is whether a fire pit permit is needed to begin this popular landscape design project.

Do I Need a Fire Pit Permit in Hingham, Massachusetts?

According to the Town of Hingham, outdoor fire pit installation in Hingham can occur without a fire pit permit, though homeowners must follow a strict set of guidelines.

1. The fire pit must be used for outdoor cooking and recreational purposes only.
2. The fire must remain small and manageable.
3. A fire must always be tended to by a responsible adult.
4. The fire pit must be at least 25 feet away from a structure or combustible material.
5. A working garden hose or fire extinguisher must be on hand in case of emergencies.
6. Outdoor fire pits recreational fires ARE NOT INCINERATORS. The burning of trash, rubbish, painted or stained wood, and construction debris is prohibited and requires an open fire permit.
7. The fire must not disturb your neighbors or cause a health hazard. To prevent fire smoke from drifting into your neighbors’ yard, make sure always to burn dry seasoned wood.
8. The Hingham Fire Department reserves the right to investigate your property should they receive any complaints related to fire burning. In this case, you may be instructed to extinguish the fire. 
9. Never use an accelerant to start a fire. 

If you have questions about backyard fire pit use in Hingham, please contact the Hingham Fire & Rescue Office of Fire Prevention & Code Enforcement at 781-741-1488. 

How Much Does it Cost to Build an Outdoor Firepit?

Outdoor fire pit installation in Hingham is an affordable landscape design option for homeowners. With a fire pit, homeowners can extend the outdoor season, utilizing the backyard well into autumn and early winter.

According to Home Advisor, the average cost of outdoor fire pit installation in Hingham is $700 but can cost well over $1,000 depending on fire pit size, materials, and other considerations. Still, this makes an outdoor fire pit one of the most affordable landscape design projects for homeowners in Hingham and across all South Shore in Massachusetts.

Outdoor Fire Pit Safety Tips

Outdoor fire pit installation is an exciting project for any homeowner, but it’s important to remember important safety measures.

Before using your new fire pit, remember these backyard fire safety tips:

• Check the direction of the wind before lighting a fire
• Do NOT use gasoline, lighter fluid, or any other flammable fluid to light a fire. 
• Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing or flammable materials, such as nylon, when lighting a fire.
• Keep children under the age of 18 and pets at least 3 feet away from the fire.
• Ensure your home has a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water in case of a fire pit emergency. 
• Do not leave the fire unattended at any time.

To learn more about a fire pit permit in Hingham and other South Shore communities, visit the JM Mento Landscape Design Services page and schedule a free consultation today! 

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