Outside Burning

Permits are Required

The number one cause of Wildfires in New Hampshire is illegal or improperly extinguished fires.

 

 

Before you can kindle a fire you must first check the State of NH Fire Danger Day

(NH Daily Fire Danger Report)

 

GET YOUR ONLINE BURNING PERMIT HERE

 

You may kindle a fire during a Class 1 (LOW), Class 2 (MODERATE), and Class 3 (HIGH) Fire Danger Day.  You CANNOT kindle a fire during a Class 4 (VERY HIGH) or Class 5 (EXTREME) Fire Danger Day or windy conditions.

Laws and Regulations (Click Here for Laws)

Per RSA 227-L:17, the state of New Hampshire requires anyone who wishes to burn clean, ordinary combustibles such as leaves, brush or untreated lumber, or have a camp or cooking fire, to have written permission from the landowner. A written fire permit from the local Forest Fire Warden or local fire department in the town or city where the fire will be kindled is also required.

Fire Permit Category Breakdown
 

Frequently asked Questions

Where do I obtain a Fire Permit or Seasonal Fire Permit?

Seasonal and daily Fire Permits can be obtained online using the button above, or from Merrimack Fire Rescue located at 432 Daniel Webster Highway and 196 Naticook Road.  Please review the "FIRE DANGER" sign in front of the Fire Stations to see if permits are being issued.

How old do I have to be to obtain a fire permit?

You must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a fire permit.

What if I don't own the land where I want to burn?

If you do not own the land, you must have written permission from the property owner before a permit will be issued.

Once I have a Seasonal Fire Permit what do I do next year?

If you have not changed the fire location or surroundings, all you have to do is bring to the Fire Department your old Permit and another one will be issued for the up coming year.  You may also renew your Seasonal Permit online.

Where can I find the Daily Fire Danger?

The Daily Fire Danger is posted on the Smokey signs at both Merrimack Fire Rescue Stations, on Twitter here; @MerrimackFire or @NHForestRangers You can call the automated NH Fire Danger line at 1-866-NH-FIRES or you can sign up to receive a daily email update from the State of NH here; Fire Danger Email

How much does a Fire Permit cost?

There is a small administrative fee to obtain an online permit, there is no cost to obtain a written fire permit in person.

When is a Fire Permit Required?

A Fire Permit is required anytime there is less than a 100 foot radius of complete snow cover around the fire, or when determined by the Forest Fire Warden that the snow has melted eoungh throughout the community to start issuing fire permits.

What time can a fire be kindled?

Fires may only be kindled after 5:00 p.m. and must be extinguished before 9:00 a.m.

What can be burned?

Clean, untreated wood or brush
Material must be no greater than 5 inches in diameter

What cannot be burned?

Combustible domestic waste as defined by RSA-125N, including. but not limited to:

  • Household trash
  • Packaging Material
  • Plastic
  • Coated or laminated paper
  • Rubber
  • Painted or treated wood
  • Coated or treated cardboard
  • Oily rags
  • Animal, vegetable or kitchen waste
  • Pressure treated wood or composite materials

Do I need a Fire Permit for a Chiminea, Fire Pit, Outdor Fireplace etc.?

YES. Obtaining a Fire Permit for outside wood burning is a state law.  You must comply with the rules for outdoor burning when using one of the outdoor wood burning units .  The use of Chimineas or outdoor fire places on decks and or within 25 feet of a structure is not allowed (Category I fire) or within 50 feet (Category II fire).