Fire Pit Rules: Manchester vs Nashua
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Manchester, NH and Nashua, NH?
Manchester has fewer restrictions than Nashua.
Manchester, NH
Hillsborough County
Manchester regulates recreational fire pits through local fire codes and the NH Forest Protection Bureau. Written fire permits are required for outdoor burning under RSA 227-L:17.
View full Manchester rules →Nashua, NH
Hillsborough County
Backyard fire pits, chimineas, fire bowls, and any open burning of solid fuel materials (other than charcoal) in Nashua require a burn permit from Nashua Fire Rescue under Chapter 110 (Burning, Open) of the City Code and RSA 227-L:17. Permits are issued free at nashuanh.burnpermits.com. Category 1 permits cover compliant campfires with a minimum 25-foot setback from any structure; Categories 2 and 3 require a 50-foot setback and a site visit. Burning is allowed only between 5:00 p.m. and midnight, weather permitting, and only when the ground is not snow-covered without a permit. The 2021 edition of NFPA 1 (Uniform Fire Code), adopted statewide effective August 13, 2024 under RSA 153, applies as the enforcement baseline.
View full Nashua rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Manchester | Nashua |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Written permit under RSA 227-L:17 | Yes (Nashua Code § 110-2 + RSA 227-L:17) |
| Setback | 25 feet from structures minimum | - |
| Attendance | Must be attended at all times | - |
| Gas Fire Pits | Generally exempt from permits | - |
| Apply Online | - | nashuanh.burnpermits.com (free) |
| Category 1 Setback | - | Min. 25 ft from any structure |
| Category 2/3 Setback | - | Min. 50 ft from any structure (site visit) |
| Permitted Hours | - | 5:00 p.m. to midnight, weather permitting |
| State Fire Code | - | NFPA 1 / NFPA 101, 2021 ed. (effective Aug 13, 2024) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Manchester FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
Wood-burning fire pits require a written permit from the local fire warden under RSA 227-L:17. Gas fire pits are generally exempt.
How far must a fire pit be from my house?
Fire pits must be at least 25 feet from structures and property lines. Check Manchester fire code for any additional requirements.
Nashua FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Nashua?
Yes. Under Nashua City Code § 110-2 (Chapter 110, Burning, Open) and RSA 227-L:17, no person shall kindle or cause to be burned any material in an open fire on public or private property without first obtaining a permit from Nashua Fire Rescue. A permit is required for any open burning of solid-fuel materials except charcoal, including fire pits, chimineas, and burn barrels. Permits are free at nashuanh.burnpermits.com.
How far from my house does my Nashua fire pit have to be?
A Category 1 burn permit (compliant campfire / fire pit applied for online) requires a minimum 25-foot setback from any structure. Category 2 and Category 3 permits require a minimum 50-foot setback and a site visit by Nashua Fire Rescue before issuance.
When can I burn under a Nashua burn permit?
Nashua's residential burning guidance allows burning under a valid permit between 5:00 p.m. and midnight, weather permitting. Permits are not valid during adverse weather or elevated fire-danger conditions. Under RSA 227-L:17, no fire permit is required only when the ground is completely snow-covered.
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