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Fire Prevention Frequently Asked Questions

When can I burn brush or tree limbs?

The burning season (Established by DEP) starts January 15th and ends May 1st, Burning is allowed from 10am-4pm. A burning permit from the fire department is required. After a permit is acquired, the permit needs to be activated daily by calling the fire station 978-952-2302 (All burning is subject to the weather conditions)

How can I get a burning permit?

Permits are good for one season and can be obtained at the fire station during normal business hours after January 1st.

 Do I need my street number on my house?

Yes, Street numbers are required by MGL 148 s 59 and Code of the Town of Littleton chapter 66. Street numbers shall be 3" or larger, visible from the street and located near the entrance way. If the house is not visible from the street, numbers shall be placed to clearly indicate the driveway to the house, and numbers shall also be on the house visible from driveway.

I am selling my house how do I get an inspection for my closing?

The Littleton Fire Department does Smoke and CO inspections on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8am- and 4pm the cost is $25.00 for a single family home. We schedule inspections at least 1 day in advance. Certificates of inspection are good for 60 days. All smoke detectors, heat detectors and carbon monoxide alarms must be in working order and installed according to requirements outlined below and the manufactures instructions. 

 Where do I need smoke detectors in my house?

Smoke detector requirements vary with the year it was built or renovated.

Homes built prior to 1975 are required upon sale or transfer to have a minimum of 1 battery powered smoke detector on each floor and attics with fixed stairs (pull down type excluded).

Homes built 1975 thru 1998 are required to have hard wired interconnected smoke detectors outside the bedrooms and one detector on each floor at the top of the stairs (the detector at the top of the stairs can be the same detector required outside the bedroom). Basement detector shall be located at base of stairs.

Homes built after 1998, smoke detectors are required to be interconnected and have a battery backup. Smoke detectors are required in each bedroom, outside the bedroom and at the top of each flight of stairs. A single detector can satisfy multiple location requirements, if sited properly. There must also be one smoke detector on each level and one smoke detector for each 1,200 square feet of living space.

Homes built or renovated after 1/1/08 require heat detectors in garages as well as the requirements for 1998.

Do I need carbon monoxide detectors?

You are required to have carbon monoxide detectors if you have an attached garage or a fossil fuel burning appliance. A home with all electric appliances no fireplace and no garage is not required to have Carbon Monoxide detectors. Otherwise 527 CMR 31 requires Battery operated Carbon Monoxide alarms on all habitable floors and no more than 10 feet from any bedroom door. A direct vented gas furnace with vent located within 7 feet of grade is required to have hardwired battery backed up alarms near the furnace and outside bedrooms in addition to requirements of 527 CMR 31.

Homes built or renovated after 1/1/08 are required to have hardwired interconnected Carbon Monoxide Alarms on all floors and 10' or less to every bedroom door.

Do I need a permit for a dumpster?

A dumpster 6 yards or larger and on site for more than 24 hours is required to have a dumpster permit from the fire department 527 CMR 34. Permits are $10.00 and are good for 1 year. Dumpsters shall be located 5 feet or more from any structure.