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Burn Permits

How Do I Obtain a Fire Permit?

Fire permits are required by NH RSA 227-1:7, I and II.   Permits can be obtained at the Town Clerks office during normal business hours.  Permits can also be obtained online by clicking here. There is a $3.00 fee for online permits. This fee is for the State of New Hampshire.

The Law

Every person, firm, or corporation who kindles or causes to be kindled any fire, or shall burn or cause to be burned any material where fire could communicate to woodlands shall obtain a written fire permit from the forest fire warden in the town or city where the fire will be kindled.   An exception is made when the ground where you are burning is covered with snow. However, we ask that you still notify us as a courtesy.   In the winter and early spring, if there is 100 feet of snow all around the brush burn you can burn anytime and without a permit.  We ask that you stay with the fire to monitor it.

What You Need to Know

  • You must be at least 18 years of age to acquire a burn permit.
  • Brush and wood will not exceed 5 inches in diameter. No household waste, treated wood, or composite materials may be burned.
  • A Category I fire will be at least 25 feet from structures and Category II and greater fire will be at least 50 feet from structures.
  • A Category I fire may be kindled with a permit at any time whether raining or not. A Category II and Category III fire may only be kindled with a permit between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. unless it is actually raining.
  • Fires kindled while raining must be extinguished if rain stops and cannot be rekindled until after 5:00 p.m.
  • You must be the legal landowner, or have written permission by the legal landowner, to acquire a burn permit.
  • Only clean, untreated, and non-contaminated wood may be burned.
  • Sufficient water, tools, and personnel must be on site to control and completely extinguish the fire. A buried fire is not an extinguished fire.
  • Burning tires and tubes is NOT allowed and is a serious violation of the NH DES Air Resources Division rules and regulations.

Violation

Any person violating the permit law and its provisions, and any person who willfully and recklessly kindles a fire that endangers woodlands, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or 1 year in jail.