Manchester, NH Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Manchester, NH, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit fee
- $50 site inspection charge
- Fires covered
- Class I and Class II fires only
- Renewal
- Annual; permits are not transferable
- Issuing office
- Fire Prevention Bureau / Fire Department
- Late fee
- 25% penalty plus interest after 30 days
- Nonpayment consequence
- Lien or permit revocation after 120 days
Summary
Manchester requires a Fire Department permit for a recreational fire pit, Class I or Class II fires only. A site inspection costs $50, permits renew annually, and applications must be written and filed with the Fire Prevention Bureau, which can revoke unpaid permits and place a lien after 120 days.
(H) A site inspection for a recreational fire permit (Class I and Class II fires only) shall be performed by the Fire Department at a charge of $50. Permits are renewable every year. ... All permits required by the fire code adopted by § 92.05 shall be written permits. All permits must be obtained from the Fire Prevention Bureau. All permits shall specify the nature of the proposed activities and conditions or requirements attached thereto. ... If fees imposed under this chapter have not been paid within 120 calendar days, the Chief of the Fire Department shall be empowered to impose liens and/or revoke permits or disconnect fire alarm service which shall result in the revocation of the certificate of occupancy for the building.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
09(H) sets the fee for a recreational fire permit: a site inspection covering Class I and Class II fires only, performed by the Fire Department at a charge of $50, with permits renewable every year. 06 requires the application to be a written permit obtained from the Fire Prevention Bureau, specifying the nature of the proposed activity and any conditions attached to it; the Fire Prevention Bureau also handles the required review before a permit issues. 04 lets the Fire Chief impose a late filing penalty equal to 25% of the fee owed, with interest starting 30 days after the bill is issued, and if payment is still outstanding after 120 calendar days, the Chief can place a lien, revoke the permit outright, disconnect fire alarm service, or move to revoke the building's certificate of occupancy.
15, which folds "fire pit" into its COOKING FIRE definition and requires written Board of Mayor and Aldermen permission for any fire, cooking fire, or deep-pit barbecue on city land, but that section addresses municipal property rather than the residential recreational fire permit itself. 99 where no more specific penalty applies.
Violations & Fines
Failing to hold a valid recreational fire permit, or violating its conditions, is punishable under § 92.99(A), which routes to the general penalty at § 10.99: a fine up to the maximum allowed by R.S.A. 47:17, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense. Unpaid fees can trigger a lien, permit revocation, or loss of the building's certificate of occupancy after 120 days under § 92.04(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to have a fire pit in Manchester?
Where do I apply for a recreational fire permit?
What happens if I don't pay the fire permit fee on time?
Are fire pits allowed on city property like parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manchester
How Manchester compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Manchester to another location·View the New Hampshire fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle fire pits & backyard fires.