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1. Are carbon monoxide detectors required?

Yes. Effective March 31, 2006, every residential structure that presently contains fossil fuel burning equipment or has enclosed parking shall be equipped with CO detectors by the owner or landlord.

2. Do carbon monoxide detectors replace smoke detectors?

No. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in addition to smoke detectors already in place.

3. How many carbon monoxide detectors are required and where should they be placed?

One carbon monoxide detector is required on each living level of the home, including “walk up attics” (those with a staircase, not pull down stairs). 

The carbon monoxide detectors must be within 10 feet of a bedroom, but not located in a bedroom unless it is an additional detector. Carbon monoxide detectors are not to be placed within 10 feet of a carbon monoxide producing appliance, ( furnace, gas stove, etc.) and also is not to be placed within 10 feet of a garage, under or attached.

4. Are any specific type recommended?

The fire department doesn’t recommend any specific brand, but does recommend that the carbon monoxide detector be battery operated. 

The plug in type are recommended only if the detector has battery back-up in order to function if there is a loss of power. If using a plug in type detector with battery back-up, make sure that it is not plugged into an outlet that is controlled by a wall switch. Carbon monoxide detectors with out battery back-up are not compliant with the law.

5. Where should smoke detectors be placed?

Proper location of smoke detectors differs with home style. Smoke detectors should be placed on each living level. 

• For single family homes with a basement, the detector should be placed on the basement ceiling at the bottom of the stairs.
• On the first floor the detector should be placed at the base of the stairway leading to the second floor. If there are any sleeping areas on the first floor, a detector shall be installed outside the bedrooms. 
• On the second floor a detector shall be installed outside the bedrooms. 
• A smoke detector is required for the attic only if the home has a fixed stairway, not a pull down stairway. If the home has a garage under or an attached garage, a smoke detector should be installed on the ceiling at the interior door that leads to the garage. 
• Detectors should always be mounted on the ceiling and not on walls. 

More Information

Additional information is available at the fire station or on the Massachusetts State website.

6. Are house numbers required?

House numbers are covered under law along with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The house numbers must be at least 3 inches high, contrasting color to the house, clearly visible from the street, and permanently attached to the house. 

The fire department does not recommend adhesive numbers, due to weather conditions adhesive numbers tend to fall off.

7. When is open burning allowed?

Outside Open Burning season begins on January 15 by permit only. Permits are available at Fire Headquarters between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.  Permit fee is $10 by check only payable to Town of Braintree.  A complete list of rules will be given to permit holders upon receipt.

Burning is subject to weather and drought conditions* and is permitted by the department shift commander daily. Permit holders must call each day they wish to burn after 8:30 am: 781-843-3600, ext. 0.

*weather and drought conditions as well as other factors are governed by the State Department of Fire Services and subject to be changed at any time.