NOTICE:
-
This is NOT the official version of the Massachusetts General Laws (MGL). While reasonable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy of the data provided, do not rely on this information without first checking an official edition of the MGL. If you are in need of legal advice or counsel, consult a lawyer.
 

Chapter & Section

   Massachusetts State Fire Laws

Penalty

ARSON - Burning Property and Making Threats

Chapter 266

265-13 D 1/2

Injuring a Firefighter in the Line of Duty at an Arson Fire

10 years state prison, or 
$1,000 fine and 2-1/2 jail or HOC 

Chapter 266

266-1

Burning a Dwelling 20 years prison, or 2-1/2 jail or HOC or $10,000 fine or both 

266-2

Burning a Building 10 years prison or 2-1/2 jail or HOC
(no fine)

266-5

Burning Personal Property over $25.00 or a  Vehicle 3 years state prison, or 
$500  fine and 1 year jail or HOC 

266-5A

Attempt to Burn Dwelling, Structure, Personal Property, Vehicle 10 yrs prison , or 
2-1/2 jail or HOC or $1,000 fine but not both 

266-7

Burning a Wooded Area 2 years jail or HOC or up to $1,000 fine

266-10

Burning with intent to Defraud an Insurer 5 years state prison, or  2-1/2 jail or HOC 

266-122,124

Threat to Burn a Church, Building  

266-113

Burning a Wooded Area with injuring Standing Timber or Wood Not more than 6 months or fine of not mote than $500
Negligent burning or Failing to Extinguish Fire which Damages Another's Property  
Negligently allowing a fire to spread to another's property  
Chapter 269

269-13

False Alarm of Fire  Not less than $100 nor more than $500 or not more than 1 year in jail or HOC

269-14

False Report of a Bomb  20 years prison, or 2-1/2 jail or HOC or $10,000 fine or both 
     
Chapter 274

274-7

Conspiracy to Commit Arson or other Crime  See text of Law

Crimes at a Fire

Chapter 266

266-11

Tampering with a Fire Alarm before a Fire 2 years jail or HOC or up to $500 fine

266-12

Tampering with a Fire Alarm during a Fire 7 yrs prison , or 2-1/2 jail or HOC or up to $1,000 fine 

266-23

Embezzlement of property at fire; effect Guilty of Larceny

266-24

Stealing at a Fire 5 yrs prison , or not more than 2 yrs jail or HOC and up to$500 fine 

266-101

Destruction of Property by Malicious and Wanton Explosion 20 yrs prison , or 
2-1/2 jail or HOC or $1,000 fine  

Chapter 268

268-32

Tampering with a Fire Alarm Box  Subject to immediate arrest and fine of $500 to $1,000 or 2 years imprisonment or both

268-32A

Hindering a FF in the Line of Duty  Fine $100 to $1,000 or 30 days to 2-1/2 jail or HOC or 5 years prison or both fine and imprisonment in jail or HOC
  Larceny at a Fire  

266-30

Larceny general provisions and penalties  

Bombs and Explosives

266-101

Malicious Explosion  

266-102

Throwing a bomb at a Person/Property 20 yrs prison , or 
2-1/2 jail or HOC or $25,000 fine or both

266-102A

Infernal machine; possession; (Molotov Cocktail 10 yrs prison , or 
2-1/2 jail or HOC or $1,000 fine or both

266-102A 1/2

Hoax Device (bomb) 2-1/2 jail or HOC  or (5 years prison or $5,000 or both )

266-102B

Bottle or other containers; possession, Molotov Cocktail 5 yrs prison , or 
2-1/2 jail or HOC or $1,000 fine or both

 148-39

Possession of Fireworks  

  148-40

Storage of Fire works   

 269-15

Sale of Stink Bombs  

Crime Against Insurance Companies

Chapter 266

266-111A

Filing a False Fire Insurance Claim  

266-111B

Motor vehicle insurance policies; penalty for fraudulent claims  

266-112

Domestic animals; malicious killing or injury.  

Chapter 175

175-113o

Fire, theft, or comprehensive coverage; payments for loss or damage; statements to police; claim forms; actions for nonpayment. No Payment shall by made until the insured reports to the Fire Authority  

Chapter 266

266-29B

Burning motor vehicle; owner of records statement to fire department. Owner shall file report as required by State Fire Marshal (FP33C)

Malicious Mischief and Code Violations

Chapter 266

266-127A

Trespass  
Chapter 272

272-77

Cruelty to Animals  
  Discharging a Fire Extinguisher  
  Injury to Building-damage, mars, defaces  
  Injury to School or Church-damage, mars, defaces  
  Malicious Destruction of Property  
  Malicious Injury to Legal Notice, Trespass Notice  
  Negligent burning or Failing to Extinguish Fire which Damages Another's Property  
  Negligently allowing a fire to spread to another's property  

 270-22

Smoking Violations in Public Places  

Crimes Involving or Against Children 

119-51A

Injured children, reports. Mandatory Reporters

 119-33B

 Placement in family home care of juvenile who has or may have committed a sexual offense or arson