Backyard Fires: Manchester vs Nashua
How do backyard fires rules compare between Manchester, NH and Nashua, NH?
Manchester, NH
Hillsborough County
No data available yet for Manchester.
Nashua, NH
Hillsborough County
A backyard fire in Nashua - including any fire pit, chiminea, burn barrel, or campfire fueled by anything other than charcoal - requires both a city permit from Nashua Fire Rescue under City Code § 110-2 (Chapter 110, Burning, Open) and a written forest-fire-warden permit under RSA 227-L:17 (Woodland Fire Control). Permits are free through nashuanh.burnpermits.com and come in three categories with structure setbacks of 25 feet (Category 1) or 50 feet (Categories 2 and 3). Burning is allowed only between 5:00 p.m. and midnight, weather permitting. Propane, natural gas, and charcoal cooking grills are exempt from the open-burning permit requirement. The State Fire Code (NFPA 1, 2021 ed., adopted August 13, 2024) supplies the underlying life-safety standard.
View full Nashua rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Manchester | Nashua |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | - | Yes (Nashua § 110-2 + RSA 227-L:17) |
| Cost | - | Free (nashuanh.burnpermits.com) |
| Setback (Cat 1 fire pit) | - | Min. 25 ft from any structure |
| Setback (Cat 2 / 3) | - | Min. 50 ft + site visit |
| Hours | - | 5:00 p.m.-midnight (weather permitting) |
| Permit-Exempt | - | Propane / natural gas / charcoal grills |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Manchester FAQ
No FAQs available.
Nashua FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small backyard fire in Nashua?
Yes. Nashua City Code § 110-2 (Chapter 110, Burning, Open) requires a permit from Nashua Fire Rescue for any open burning of solid-fuel materials except charcoal, including fire pits, chimineas, and burn barrels. RSA 227-L:17 additionally requires a written forest-fire-warden permit unless the ground is snow-covered. Apply free at nashuanh.burnpermits.com.
How far does my Nashua backyard fire have to be from my house?
A Category 1 burn permit (compliant backyard campfire / fire pit applied for online) requires a minimum 25-foot setback from any structure. Category 2 and Category 3 permits require a 50-foot setback and a site visit by Nashua Fire Rescue.
Can I use my charcoal or propane grill without a permit in Nashua?
Yes. The Nashua burn-permit requirement covers open burning of solid-fuel materials except charcoal, so charcoal barbeques are exempt from the burn-permit rule, and propane and natural-gas grills are not 'open burning' under Chapter 110. The State Fire Code (NFPA 1, 2021 ed.) may still impose clearance requirements for grills on multi-family balconies.
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