Burn Permits

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Permits to Kindle Fire

"Every person, firm or corporation who kindles or causes to be kindled any fire or burns or causes to be burned any material, except when the ground is covered with snow, shall obtain a written fire permit from the Forest Fire Warden in the town or city where the fire will be kindled. Any person violating the permit law and it's provisions, and any person who willfully or recklessly kindles a fire that endangers woodlands, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000 and/or up to one year in jail, or both."

-NH Department of Resources & Economic Development, Forest and Lands

How do I obtain a burn permit?

Simply call us, or come to the fire station between 8 am and 5 pm. One of our Deputy Fire Wardens can issue you a permit.

Permits can be obtained online 24/7 at:  http://nh.burnsafeamerica.com

No permits are issued for town beaches, the Great Island Commons, outlying islands or Fort Stark state historic site.

How much does a burn permit cost?

There is no charge for a permit if you come to the station.  Online permits from the state website require a small vendor processing fee. 

What kind of materials can be burned with a burn permit?

Brush and wood cannot exceed 5 inches in diameter. No combustible domestic waste, treated wood or composite materials may be burned. RSA-125N defines "combustible domestic waste" as, but not limited to, household trash, packaging materials, plastics, coated or laminated papers, rubber, painted or treated wood, coated or treated cardboard, oily rags, and animal, vegetable, and kitchen waste."

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

The permitee must be at least 18 years old. All permits require landowner permission in writing.

When and where can I kindle my fire?

Any private property where written permission from the landowner is granted. Category 1 fires may be kindled with a permit at any time whether raining or not. A category 2 and category 3 fire may only be kindled with a permit between the hours of 5:00pm and 9:00am unless it is actually raining or the ground is covered by snow as defined by law. 

**No permits are issued for town beaches, the Great Island Commons, outlying islands or Fort Stark state historic site.**

How can I get more information about burn permits?

Feel free to contact us between 8 am and 5 pm to speak directly to a Deputy Fire Warden. You can also visit the NH Department of Resources & Economic Development, Forest and Lands on the web.