Fire prevention aims to reduce the risk of fires or fire-related hazards in the community. Learn more about fire safety, permits and licensing, inspection information, as well as the city's adopted fire codes and ordinances, along with testing and monitoring information for fire protection systems in the city.
In compliance with 527 CMR 1.00 and M.G.L. Chapter 148, the Fire Prevention Division of the Worcester Fire Department issues fire-related permits to maintain, store, use or handle materials; to conduct processes that could produce conditions hazardous to life or property; or to install equipment used in connection with such activities.
Permits & Licensing
Fire
For information on all city permits, licenses and fees, visit the Permit/License Center.
Once you have downloaded and filled out your application, you can submit it at Fire Prevention Division, 25 Meade Street or you can mail the application to:
Fire Prevention
25 Meade Street
Worcester, MA 01610
Permit/License Types
- Automotive Establishment License
- Christmas Tree (Sales) Permit
- Cutting & Welding/Hot Works Permit (Renewable) - Apply Online
- Cutting & Welding/Hot Works Permit (Project Based) - Apply Online
- Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit - Permanent - Apply Online
- Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit - Temporary - Apply Online
- Flammable Storage Permit
- Hazardous Materials Use and Storage Permit - Apply Online
Please note the following:
- For information regarding permits for wood, pellet or coal burning stoves, please contact the Building & Zoning Division of Inspectional Services at 508-799-1198 or email inspections@worcesterma.gov.
- Please be aware it may be necessary to apply for permits/licenses from multiple city departments such as Inspectional Services or Public Works & Parks depending on your requirements.
Residential & Commercial Inspections
The Fire department is responsible for ensuring residential and commercial buildings are following the city codes and laws regarding fire safety. Inspections include smoke and CO detectors, annual inspections for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs with a liquor license and more.
Education and Outreach
Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are your first, and many times only, life-saving defense against fires and CO poisoning. Learning more about Fire Safety and the proper protection equipment is very important for everyone to know.
Youth Firesetting Prevention & Intervention Program
Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention Programs are part of a statewide initiative to provide community based juvenile fire awareness and intervention. The Worcester Fire Department YFPI program is used as a tool to help both youth and their families understand the dangers of fire and how to make better choices.
Masterbox Monitoring Service
The City of Worcester operates an AES wireless mesh system to provide "Masterbox" monitoring service for building fire alarm systems throughout the City for a nominal monitoring fee. Information for installing and monitoring transmitters for this service can be found below.
For all questions about masterbox maintenance and installations, please call 617-921-0533 or email carnevalek@worcesterma.gov.
To place masterboxes on "telephone alert" or "plugging out" masterboxes, please call 508-799-3473.
Please Note
- Communications Declaration: All ERRCS (BDA) Systems Must be Class A as of May 12, 2021
- Contact information for Building Access Key Boxes (Supra or Knox Boxes): 508-799-1824 or prevention@worcesterma.gov.
Have a Question?
Please contact the Prevention Division by calling 508-799-1822 or email prevention@worcesterma.gov.
State law requires that residential buildings be equipped with approved smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. To schedule an appointment and to ensure that the life safety devices are properly located, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 508-799-1822 or send an email to: prevention@worcesterma.gov. Also, please note that State Law requires that every building have its address number affixed to the building and is visible from the roadway.
No. Open burning prohibitions are authorized by the Massachusetts Air Pollution Control Regulation. 310 CMR 7.07(3)(e) prohibits open burning completely in 22 urbanized municipalities, which includes the City of Worcester.
There are many different permits for construction and demolition projects available through the Worcester Fire Prevention Office. Please see the Construction & Demolition Permits flyer for complete details.
No. Fireworks are illegal in the City and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Violators may be subject to fines, inspections and possible criminal complaints.
Resources
Contact Information
Address
Fire Prevention
25 Meade Street
Worcester, MA 10610
Contact
Phone: 508-799-1822
Fax: 508-799-1900
Email Us
Hours
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.